Free back to school haircuts, supplies for students

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Hundreds of students, from the very youngest, to high school seniors, will be going back to class this year in style, and with backpacks full of school supplies. It's the 7th year of HPD's "Look Good, Feel Good" back to school event.

Officer E J Joseph, of HPD's Public Affairs Division created the program when her now 17 year old daughter was in grade school. "I saw the difference a new hairstyle made," she says. "It gives you confidence."

It has another effect, she believes. "These kids are going to go back to the classroom and they're going to have a smile on their faces like every other kid in the classroom. That will cut down on bullying. A lot of them don't understand why that kid doesn't have a backpack or hairstyle or school supplies."

It comes at no cost to the students. Stylists, and yes, manicurists donated their time today. School supplies were donated, all neatly packed in clear backpacks. Fresh tablets, pencils, and more. The event also included free lunch and snacks for the children.

HPD officers also volunteered for the event, offering children an encounter with police, in street clothes rather than uniforms. "The kids can see we're part of the community and we care about helping them," says Joseph.

The event was held at 3 Houston locations today. It will be back next year, so parents should look for news about date and locations next August.

For one mother of 3, it takes some of the anxiety about going back to school away from her children. " It makes them feel good about it, because they look good. And that makes me feel and look good, too."