A community event offering free haircuts and snacks for children returning to school after the summer break attracted twice as many participants as last year.

Harrington Workmen’s Club in Smith’s Parish hosted the giveaway yesterday for a second year after identifying a need in the community.

Najee Musson, the president of the club, who was DJing for attendees, hopes to make it an annual event.

He said: “We saw a need in the community and we didn’t want children to go without. I want to make sure that everyone is taken care of so we came together again this year.

“There are plenty more sponsors this year, it is definitely growing.”

He said close to 100 children benefited this year and there were about 50 last year.

As well as haircuts and braiding, there were gently-used school uniforms and bags containing snacks for the children.

Iesha Musson, who is on the management team for the club, said: “We have 11 barbers showing up to support, they are coming in stages during different time slots.

“There are school uniforms for parents to take and there are packed bags for any child that does get their hair done. They will walk away with a week’s worth of snacks, which will help the parents out.

“Our motto is ‘friendship and brotherhood for the good of all’, so why not try to help them out holistically for everything they need?

“There is a lot of need in the community.

“Because it was really successful last year, we had more people reaching out for support.”

Abigail Perrin, a volunteer providing hair-blowing services on the day, said: “This is my first year doing this event. I have worked with Iesha before. I generally like giving back to the community.

“I do my own hair but I don’t usually do other people’s hair. I am used to doing it and I understand what the braiders are going through.

“It’s easier if the hair is washed and pressed or blow dried.”

Numerous organisations contributed services and goods to the event, which included a bouncy castle and music.

Ms Musson gave a special thank you to A & M Bulk in Devil’s Hole, one of the club’s community supporters, and all the small, independent businesses that supported the event.

Jah-Kintae Williams, a parent of three children, attended for a second year. She said the assistance helped to alleviate the financial burden on her family.

She said: “I love that they are doing this for the community and it definitely saves me money trying to get three heads done for school. It is expensive.

“There is a good energy here, the community comes together, the children are playing together and having fun — it is beautiful.”

Crystal Whitter was at the event with her twin daughters. “I came last year. It was well organised and the hair was great,” she said.

“It is helpful for me because I usually have to do their hair. It gave me a break and helped financially with the snacks for school. It was amazing.

“The girls are grateful to be getting their hair done.”

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