EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – The Indiana Black Expo Evansville Chapter and Going Forward Barber and Beauty Salon is stepping up to help local children prepare for the upcoming school year by hosting its annual back-to-school event, offering free school supplies, hygiene bags and fresh haircuts.

Going Forward Barber & Beauty Salon, located on 1015 East Riverside Drive, had stylists and barbers volunteer to give students free basic haircuts on Sunday.

Teresa Carter, owner of Going Forward Barber & Beauty Salon, has been hosting the haircut event for at least 15 years.

“It started and we’ve just been doing it probably oh wow, I’m going to say maybe about close to 20 years, 15 I know, at least about 15 years,” Carter says. “It’s awesome, you know, when you can give back to the community.”

Carter says she was incredibly thankful to the fellow barbers who volunteered their Sunday to join her.

“There was no hesitation,” Carter says. “They said, ‘Yeah, T, we will take our Sunday and we’ll do this.’ It’s just a wonderful thing to be able to help out people.”

The turnout on Sunday was massive, with families lining up in their cars before the doors even opened.

“Oh my gosh, it was so crowded,” Carter says. “There were people in cars pulling up right after I pulled up. It was standing room only. I had to go pull some chairs out from another place just to be able to sit them. But it was good to know that people needed this. We got them cut up and pretty much on their way.”

Barbers focused on providing clean, basic cuts to help boost the children’s confidence before they head back to the classroom.

“Well, mostly basic haircuts, you know—low tapers, fades, all evens,” Carter says. “I did have a young lady who had her hair down her back, but she wanted it cut shorter, so we gave her a shoulder-length haircut because it’s not just for boys or girls. Just mostly basic haircuts so they will look nice and neat for back to school.”

The event was held in partnership with community organizations and local volunteers, including Khristapher Walker, lead support for Old National Bank and co-chair of the African American Network.

“We partnered with Going Forward Barbershop and Salon—I have to put it out there that it’s one of the best barbers in America, Ms. Teresa Carter,” Walker says. “She was doing free haircuts, and we had free supplies and free hygiene bags for the boys and the girls. We also had the So Icy Water Ice truck outside because it’s hot.”

Walker emphasized that access to these resources is vital for working families.

“This is a blessing right here, its a blessing to be a blessing,” Walker said. “None of us got anywhere without getting some help from someone or somewhere. The main thing we want everybody to know is that if you need help, there are plenty of resources out here… We’re just making it accessible.”

Organizers say they plan to continue partnering for future community events throughout the year.

“We do have some other plans, some other events we’re doing,” Walker said. “This won’t be the last of us you’ll see. You’re going to see a lot more of us.”