The United Way of Greater Hazleton organized a “Back to School Energizer” event on August 25, 2025, offering free haircuts to students from the Hazleton Area School District. This initiative took place at the Hazleton Area Career Center and involved local salons and barber shops, including The Refinery Barber Lounge and Lux and Lunar Salon, providing their services to prepare students for the new school year.
According to Jennifer Sordoni, Interim CEO of the United Way of Greater Hazleton, this marks the third year of the event, which she describes as a “special project.” Sordoni expressed interest in enhancing accessibility for families in the future. “Next year, we might partner with the school district to offer haircuts right at the school or immediately after classes,” she said. This change aims to alleviate transportation challenges for families.
All students in the Hazleton Area School District were eligible to participate, and the event was promoted through social media in the weeks leading up to it. The organizers anticipated around 30 children would attend, with hopes of increasing participation in subsequent years.
The program is provided at no cost to students, thanks to a grant received by the United Way specifically for this initiative. “We utilized grant funding to hire the stylists and barbers for the event,” Sordoni noted. “We bring the funding into the community and run the event; it is not a volunteer initiative.”
The United Way emphasizes the importance of such programs in helping children prepare for the academic year, particularly for families facing financial constraints. “Our goal is to serve more kids in the Hazleton school district and provide support to make education more accessible,” Sordoni added.
The event not only provided haircuts but also fostered a sense of community spirit, as local stylists dedicated their time and skills to ensure students felt confident as they headed back to school. As the school year approaches, initiatives like these play a crucial role in supporting the educational journey of children in the Hazleton area.