LaGRANGE — As local children prepare to begin another school year, one organization is making sure students enter their classrooms in style.

Positive Contributions is hosting its eight annual Hair Cutz 4 Kidz event on Aug. 9 at Williams-Griggs Recreation Center. Michael Fannin, a third grade teacher at Callaway Elementary School, began the program as part of an effort to help children as much as he could outside the classroom.

“I was blessed to grow up with parents who made sure I had school supplies and a fresh hair cut before school started each year,” said Fannin. “I just want to give kids that same opportunity because, sometimes, that can make a huge difference in a student’s learning experience.”

Hair Cutz 4 Kidz has grown from a small gathering in its first year to a back to school bash featuring food, water slides and games for kids to play in addition to free hair cuts and school supply giveaways.

“The first year we had it, one of our organization’s members, Tonya Boyd, actually drove around and found kids from around the neighborhoods to bring in and get their hair cut or styled,” said Fannin. “Last year, we probably had about 1,000 kids show up.”

The event offers free hair cuts for boys and free hairstyles for girls, as well as free backpacks and other school supplies for children in grades K-12.

“I thought about how I could make kids better in other ways besides teaching,” said Fannin. “I thought that this was a great thing to do because I’m helping to provide them with the means to succeed in school.”

The event is sponsored by Positive Contributions, West Georgia Star and The Connector.

“I have to give a special thanks to all of my volunteers, barbers and beauticians,” said Fannin. “I also want to thank Chad Cooper of West Georgia Star. He is a valuable friend and asset.”

Hair Cutz 4 Kidz begins 1 p.m. on Aug. 9 at the Williams-Griggs Recreation Center. Attending children can get free hair cuts and hairstyles, along with free hot dogs, hamburgers and popcorn from 1 to 5 p.m. School supplies will be distributed 5 to 6 p.m. Children must be present in order to receive school supplies.