Pencils? Check. Backpack? Check. Shoes? Check. Haircut? Check. STRESS? CHECK! 

Getting kids ready to go back to school can trigger anxiety for even the most organized families. But for those also facing financial hardships, it’s a time of year that can cause intense worry, along with feelings of inadequacy and guilt. 

“One of our core values is ‘ohana,’ which means family,” said Sandy, the general manager for a franchisee who owns and operates 14 Great Clips® salons in California and Washington. “We care for each other within the salon, and we also care for our customers and the community. When there’s a need beyond our four walls, we try to help.” 

That’s exactly what they did. Across the Sacramento area, 62 Great Clips salons joined forces to support the “Backpack Give Back,” an initiative sponsored by CBS News Sacramento and the United Way to gather school supplies and funds for area kids in need.   

“We had large donation collection boxes in every salon in our market,” said Abbie, operations director for a franchisee who owns and operates 17 Great Clips® salons in California. “Our stylists loved it! We got a ton of backpacks and school supplies, and it was a real conversation starter in the salon. Since all donations stayed local, it was a way we could show customers and the greater community that we care, and we truly want to make a difference.”  

Fresh school supplies, fresh haircuts 

The salons did more than collect school supplies, they also took part in area events that provided additional back-to-school support. “At a local community event sponsored by the county’s department of child support services, a group of our hairstylists provided around 65 free haircuts to kids in need for four hours,” Abbie said. “The kids were so excited to get new haircuts; seeing their smiling faces made us all so happy!” 

“We took part in a similar event sponsored by Kohl’s,” Sandy said. “Families in need came to Kohl’s for a $200 back-to-school shopping spree. Our stylists were there and gave 60 back-to-school haircuts! We started at 5:30 a.m., which is early, but it was so worth it. I remember cutting one child’s hair. He told me he wanted a low-cut taper fade. I asked him if he knew what that was. He said he didn’t know, but that he always dreamed of having one! Many of these kids are used to getting a buzz cut at home, but they see their peers with trendy haircuts, and they want them, too. It’s so fun to give them the looks they want!” 

“A new back-to-school haircut is everything,” Abbie said. “When kids look and feel their best, they can start the school year feeling confident. I’m proud of our salons and all the ways we contribute to building stronger communities.” 

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All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.