The United Way of Greater Hazleton hosted its annual Back to School Energizer event, offering free haircuts to students from the Hazleton Area School District. The event took place on August 25, 2025, at the Hazleton Area Career Center, where local stylists and barbers provided their services in preparation for the upcoming school year, which begins on September 2.
This initiative is now in its third year and continues to gain momentum. Jennifer Sordoni, Interim CEO of the United Way of Greater Hazleton, described the event as a “special project” aimed at supporting families as they prepare for the new academic year. She expressed interest in expanding the initiative in future years, emphasizing the need for greater accessibility.
Enhancing Accessibility for Families
Sordoni highlighted the importance of making the event more convenient for families who may face transportation challenges. “I think we could do that if we could maybe partner with the school district and have the haircuts right at the school or offer the haircuts right after school,” she suggested. This would provide an easier option for families and potentially increase participation.
Students from the district were invited to book appointments, and the event was promoted through social media over several weeks. Organizers anticipated around 30 participants, with hopes that this number will grow in the coming years.
The free haircuts were made possible through grant funding received by the United Way specifically for this event. “We received grant funding for this specific event. We used those grant dollars to hire the stylists and the barbers,” Sordoni explained. Unlike many community initiatives, this program is professionally staffed rather than reliant on volunteers, allowing for a more organized and efficient experience.
Community Impact and Support
With the aim of serving more children in the Hazleton area, the United Way of Greater Hazleton focuses on providing resources that make education more accessible. “That is the goal of the United Way of Greater Hazleton. To serve more kids in the Hazleton school district and give more assistance to make school more accessible,” Sordoni stated.
The collaboration with local salons and barbers, such as The Refinery Barber Lounge and Lux and Lunar Salon, reflects a strong community spirit and commitment to supporting families. As students like Jamie Fernandez and Benjamin Tankalavage enjoyed their haircuts, the event fostered a sense of excitement and readiness for the new school year.
The Back to School Energizer exemplifies how community organizations can come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to start the school year off on the right foot.
