Vicksburg Alderman Thomas “T.J.” Mayfield, in partnership with The HeadQuarters Barber & Beauty Salon, is helping local students get fresh haircuts to start the 2024-25 school year.

Mayfield said the free haircuts are part of a program he began three years ago as a form of community support. This is the first year it has been done in conjunction with the start of a new school year.

“We normally do it around spring break,” Mayfield said. “This year I was approached by a parent and we ended up doing something for back-to-school, because so many kids are excited about it.”

Mayfield said Thursday’s events exceeded expectations with HeadQuarters owner Geo Williams reporting kids lined up outside the Clay Street location at 7:45 a.m.

“We had free haircuts and breakfast,” Mayfield said. “I thought it was going to be 35 or 40 kids. It ended up being more like 80.”

The biggest part of the day, Mayfield said, was seeing the excitement on the children’s faces and knowing the event could help ease the financial burden of starting school for many local families.

“I know, for a lot of kids, getting a haircut is a great experience because it boosts their confidence,” he said. “And for a lot of families, that $30 or $60 they can save a month really means a lot to their pockets. That can go toward a bill; toward food and other necessities.”

Mayfield said Thursday’s success warrants a look at how organizers can work to expand the event for 2025.