Executive Director Mike Linger said more than 150 students and family members had registered to participate in their inaugural “Fresh Look for School” event, where families of students who pre-registered at Madison Elementary were able to receive more than the typical start-of-the-year school supplies.

The event also handed out hygiene products and clothes and offered haircuts and manicures courtesy of several local salons. The event was funded entirely through a grant through Kohl’s.

While Monday’s event was limited to the families of Madison Elementary students who had registered, Linger hopes that future years could see the event return and expand its scope.

“A lot of kids get excited shopping for clothes, that part of going back to school,” Linger said. “A lot of our kids struggle with that, so we decided to get some grant funding and … make it available. We’re starting small this year, so we could do it as a test. … They can feel good about going back to school.”

photo by: Alan Olson

Madison Elementary students and their families line up to receive school supplies, clothes and hygiene items at the House of the Carpenter's Fresh Look for School event Monday.

Numerous organizations were on hand providing assistance, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to the faculty and staff of Madison Elementary. Several local businesses, which would otherwise be competitors, sent employees to work alongside one another, Linger said.

“The folks who are really committed to making a difference with these kids, they’re the ones who are here, and they’ve been very helpful about it,” he said. “They’ve worked with us, they adjusted schedules, made sure we had all the licensure for doing hair and nails in West Virginia – all those little pieces. … The companies out there, they’re competitors, but they’re all side-by-side offering what’s good for this.

“That all came together, and the kids are just now starting to come in. You can look at them and tell they’re anticipating this, they’re looking forward to this. It helps them look forward to going to school. This is a great thing,” he added.

Among the groups present to distribute hygiene items was Men for Change, who distributed shaving kits to boys and girls.

“We wanted to be a part of this community event to show that we can give back as well, and we wanted to be part of everything Madison Elementary, House of the Carpenter, are doing – we believe in both of those institutions,” said member Ron Scott.

photo by: Alan Olson

Joseph and McKenzie McLaughlin get haircuts at the House of the Carpenter's Fresh Look for School event Monday.

“The idea of community is something that we take for granted entirely too often. The real principle of community is people coming together to fulfill needs and provide services, and to continue to do that is our responsibility and duty to do that. If we are members of that community, you have to contribute toward keeping it going.”

Trista McLaughlin, whose children Joseph and McKenzie were getting their haircuts, said she really appreciated the scope of the event.

“A lot of the events give school supplies and stuff like that, but don’t let them get their hair done, do their nails and stuff. It’s nice for them,” she said.

Madison Elementary students and their families line up to receive school supplies, clothes and hygiene items at the House of the Carpenter's Fresh Look for School event Monday.