Cutz for Education gives hundreds of kids confidence boost with haircuts, school supplies

Barber Levar Broughton knows the community.

Over nearly three decades as owner of Trimz Barbershop in Freeport, he's given an uncountable number of haircuts and has seen the boost it provides, especially for children gearing up for the first day of school.

"It's about confidence," Broughton said. "They see themselves go from rags to riches."

That transformation is what inspired Broughton 22 years ago to start the annual Cutz for Education haircut, sneaker and school supply giveaway, an effort to help families before the start of the school year and empower kids to start classes with pride. Hundreds lined up Saturday to get a fresh cut and other back-to-school essentials.

Darius Forrest Jr., 14, was one of the first kids to sit down in a barber chair for the event. The incoming Uniondale High School freshman hopes to make a splash on the football team as a wide receiver. A haircut is the first step.

"When I get a haircut, I feel good about myself, and I feel like I can achieve anything," he said. "It makes me feel confident."

There were vendors spread throughout the parking lot off Guy Lombardo Avenue, along with a live DJ and food.

The annual get-together also brings the community closer to one another, said the elder Darius Forrest.

"I would've never known you were my neighbor, and you would've never known I was your neighbor if we didn't come to this," he said. 

Heeling Soles, a Uniondale-based nonprofit, gave away around 200 pairs of shoes to attendees.

Steve Muir, the head of the nonprofit, said he partnered with Broughton's event six years ago, spurred by his experience growing up and seeing kids struggle.

"Having a new pair of sneakers brings a different element when you go to school. Everybody looks forward to that," Muir said.

The start of the school year comes with a mix of excitement and anxiety, but also often a hefty receipt for supplies and apparel. Nationally, back-to-school spending this year is projected to surpass $36 billion, almost a 6% increase from last year, Newsday reported.

With a long list of items for parents to get, the giveaway helps alleviate some of the pressure mounting toward the end of summer, said Eunice Bermingham, of Baldwin, who was waiting on a line with her two sons, Josiah, 11, and Isaiah, 13.

"Whatever is missing on the child's supply list, then you should be able to get the rest of the things on your budget," she said.

Tyniqua Sherred, of Freeport, was at the event with her two children. Her oldest, Amani, is 6 and is going into second grade. She said she was looking to get a pink backpack and was excited to do arts and crafts with her classmates. 

"It's stressful for the parents," Tyniqua Sherred said. "I'm glad that the community is coming together, giving low-income families the things that they need for back-to-school."