Michael Fannin learned early that he was privileged.

His parents, Larry and Carrie Fannin , were always able to provide for their three sons. Fannin also was taught that along with that privilege came the responsibility to help others whenever he had the chance.

“My parents taught me to observe and help out when I can,” he said.

He’s doing just that as he spends his summer organizing his third free “Haircuts for Kids” event.

It’s not the first time Fannin has chosen to work to help others. In fact, his career as an elementary teacher was influenced by his desire to give back.

“When people found out I was studying education, they always assumed I was a P.E. major. They were surprised that I was in early childhood,” he said.

He’s the first to admit his career choice is a lot more challenging than he expected.

“Knowing you’re responsible for 23 squirming second graders with 23 different personalities and learning styles is a challenge, but I love it,” he said. “Once you turn the light on (inside each child) it’s amazing to see.”

Fannin ’s first job after graduating from Alabama State University was teaching in a Montgomery, Ala., elementary school.

“The kids wore uniforms and a lot of the kids had uniforms that weren’t up to par. They weren’t always well-groomed,” he said.

After his first year teaching, Fannin went to work to organize a free haircut day for his students. His plans were cut short when he was offered a job teaching second grade at Callaway Elementary School and he had to make a move back home to LaGrange.

He soon realized that the same kind of event could be a benefit to students in LaGrange, so he went calling on Craig Davis, owner of Razor Cuts and the barber who had cut Fannin ’s hair since childhood.

Davis immediately agreed to volunteer his skills – and brought all his barbers along with him.

This will be the third summer Davis and more than a dozen other barbers will participate in the project.

“I support Michael in whatever he does. I don’t mind doing this at all,” Davis said. “It give some moms a little help.”

Fannin improved on the project last year by providing inflatable slides and jumpers, as well as games for the kids. This year, he wants to add even more.

“I’d like have people volunteering to do face painting and providing snow-cones and hot dogs,” he said.

He’s drumming up volunteers now, but he’s had no trouble recruiting barbers for the event.

“We do this every day, so this is a chance to give something back,” said Nate Newton, a barber who will load his barber chair on a truck and take it to Griggs Recreational Center for the free haircut event. “I can do about 20 people in an afternoon. I’ll cut anyone’s hair. If you sit in my chair, you’ll get a haircut.”

While most barbers will give a basic haircut, Joseph Holliday will try to make his haircuts a little special.

“I’m known for mohawks and designs,” Holliday said. “I try to give the kids what they want.”

And they’ll all be giving the mothers what they want – a little break from the back-to-school expenses.

-Free haircuts for children will be given from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Griggs Recreation Center. The organization is looking for people and businesses who will donate inflatable games, face painting, snow -cones, hot dogs and paper products for the free event. To donate, call Michael Fannin at (706) 416-5014.