South Suburban School Gives Back with Free Holiday Haircuts for Students

 

South Suburban School Gives Back with Free Holiday Haircuts for Students

PARK FOREST, Ill. — During these challenging economic times for some families, Dr. Shernita Mays, principal of the Illinois School in Park Forest, knows that providing haircuts can be an extra expense for families whose budgets are already stretched.

“With all of the difficulties in the world today, the staff and students of Illinois School want to make sure that our families know that we care and understand the hardships that many of us face today,” Mays said.

On Friday, December 8, a group of barbers from the nearby Phipps Academy of Barbering in Richton Park came to the school to give free haircuts to students who signed up for the service.

The school’s gym was transformed into a barbershop with clippers buzzing throughout the day. It is the second year that the barbers have donated their time and talent to give haircuts to students at Illinois School.

“This wonderful act of kindness will help our families and make our students feel great as we enter into the holiday season,” Mays said.

Mays said that the barbers were excited to come to the school again after a great reception last year. Mays said that parents told her that haircuts can cost as much as $40.

“It makes the kids happy,” said Kevin Phipps, owner of the Phipps Barbering Academy in Richton Park. “When you look better you feel better and when you feel better you do better.”

Mays said that during the holiday season the school, which serves grades kindergarten through eighth grade, has made a commitment to show kindness to the school’s families and the larger community.

During the month of December, Mays said that the Illinois school community “will be warming the hearts of someone else” by collecting new hats, mittens and scarves to donate to The Cancer Support Center in Homewood, Illinois. The school is also collecting coats for a local shelter.

“It’s a wonderful way for our children to help others during the holidays,” Mays said. “Showing care and concern for our community is a lesson that lasts a lifetime.”

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