The United Way of Greater Hazleton recently hosted its annual Back to School Energizer event, offering free haircuts to students in the Hazleton Area School District. The event took place at the Hazleton Area Career Center on August 25, 2025, just days before the school year begins on September 2.
Community Collaboration for Student Support
Local salons and barber shops, including The Refinery Barber Lounge and Lux and Lunar Salon, partnered with the United Way to provide haircuts for students preparing to return to school. This initiative, now in its third year, aims to ensure that families in the community can access essential services during the back-to-school period.
Interim CEO of United Way Greater Hazleton, Jennifer Sordoni, emphasized the importance of the event in supporting families who may struggle to afford haircuts for their children. “This project is special to us, and we are open to tweaking it in future years,” Sordoni said. “I think we could partner with the school district to make it even more accessible, perhaps offering haircuts right at the schools or after school.”
The event was publicized on social media, allowing all students in the Hazleton Area School District to make appointments. Organizers anticipated approximately 30 children would attend, with hopes that participation will increase in the coming years.
Funding and Impact on Families
The program was made possible through a specific grant received by the United Way, which covered the costs of hiring professional stylists and barbers. “We received grant funding for this specific event. We used those grant dollars to hire the stylists and the barbers,” Sordoni explained. “We bring the funding into the community and run the event; it is not a volunteer event.”
This initiative is aimed at helping students feel confident and ready for the new academic year, particularly those in families facing financial challenges. Sordoni highlighted the United Way’s mission to serve more children in the Hazleton school district, stating, “Our goal is to give more assistance to make school more accessible.”
As students like Jamie Fernandez and Benjamin Tankalavage received haircuts from skilled barbers, the event underscored the community’s commitment to supporting its youth. Sordoni’s vision for future events includes expanding accessibility and further integrating these services within the school system to ease the burden on families.
The success of the Back to School Energizer event reflects the collaborative spirit of the Hazleton community, illustrating how local organizations can come together to foster a supportive environment for students and their families.
