Back to School Bash provides haircuts and more for students in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Students in Cape Girardeau are heading into the new school year with fresh haircuts and new supplies thanks to a community led Back to school Bash at Arena Park.

Organizers Kenitha Pittman and Tanyana Ivy partnered with local sponsors to provide backpacks, school supplies, helmets donated by the Cape Girardeau police department, and even free haircuts from local stylists.

“Today we’re giving away backpacks. The police department donated helmets. We had a couple of sponsors that donated backpacks, school supplies, and we’re also giving away free haircuts,” Pittman said.

For many children, it was their first professional haircut experience. Ivy said the smiles on their faces made the effort well worth every minute.

In addition to school essentials, organizers raffled off bikes, and household supplies, looking to ease financial burdens for families as the new school year begins.

Both Pittman and Ivy said their passion for giving back comes from their upbringings in families rooted in faith and community service.

“I come from a community of giving, and I’m faith based,” Pittman said. “It’s just on our hearts to give back.”

Ivy agreed with the sentiment. “We came from families that gave and volunteered. In casual conversation, we decided, ‘Hey, that’s what we want to do, too.’”

The bash was designed to help children start the school year confident, while helping  the children feel a sense of community support.