The San Pedro Town Council held its sixth annual Back-to-School Hair Cutz event on Sunday, August 30th, providing free haircuts to children ages five to 13. The island-wide initiative ran from 9AM to noon and was organized in partnership with the council’s Women, Youth and Children Affairs portfolio and local barbers and beauty professionals.
The event aimed to help families manage back-to-school expenses while ensuring children returned to the classroom feeling prepared and confident. Free services were offered at several locations across San Pedro, including the Town Core, DFC, San Pedrito, San Juan, and San Mateo.
Participating businesses included Carlos Cutz, Georgio’s Beauty Salon, Yupit’s Barbershop, Anthony Magana’s Barbershop, Vanessa’s Barbershop, Female Barber Studio, Glam Beauty Zone, Coleman’s Barbershop, Dope Cutz, and Ramos Fadez.
The initiative began in 2021, when many families were still dealing with the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to San Pedro Town Councilor Dianeli Aranda, one of the event’s organizers, the council continued the program because the rising cost of living remains a challenge for many households. Organizers worked with 14 barbers and beauty professionals, each prepared to serve approximately 10-15 children.
Aranda said community participation was central to the event’s success. “Community participation is everything. Without the barbers and hairstylists who willingly give their time and talent, we simply would not be able to have this event,” she said. “Their willingness to come together from different areas of our community shows what can happen when we put aside everything else and focus on helping our children.”
Aranda added that the event’s impact extended beyond the haircut itself. “Sometimes, something as simple as getting a fresh haircut can give a child that extra boost of confidence as they walk through the school gates. For parents, it is also one less expense to worry about during a time when back-to-school costs can add up very quickly. More than a haircut, we are helping families feel supported.”
“This was about coming together for our community and, most importantly, for our children,” Aranda said. “As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and this event is a true reflection of that. To every barber, hairstylist, San Pedro Town Council member, parent, and community member who played a part, thank you. Your contribution matters.”
Aranda confirmed that the initiative will return next year. “The work must continue, and as long as there are families who need our support and people willing to come together, we will continue to do our part,” she said.
The San Pedro Town Council extended its gratitude to the participating barbers and hairstylists, including Victor Sanchez, Graciela Caceres, Isariel Yupit, Geissell Colocho, Yesenia Munguia, Edgardo Ramos, Roderick Coleman Jr., Carlos Barrientos, David Magana, Jose Cardoze, Zamir Torres, Axel Yama, Jorge Flores and Andrea Martinez.