The Mill preparing backpacks and free haircuts for back-to-school event

The Mill preparing backpacks and free haircuts for back-to-school event

The Mill in downtown Shenandoah will help area children prepare for the coming school year during its third annual back-to-school event.

The event will be held Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Mill, located at 818 West Sheridan Avenue in Shenandoah.

Dr. Margaret Brady said Jessie with Gettin Snippy and two additional volunteer stylists are expected to provide free haircuts throughout the four-hour event.

Haircuts will be offered without appointments. Children will be served as they arrive, and a tip jar is expected to be available for anyone who would like to recognize the stylists for donating their time.

Brady said the stylists provide individual haircuts based on each child’s preferences rather than giving every participant the same style. She said seeing the children’s reactions after receiving their haircuts has become one of the event’s highlights.

Approximately 75 backpacks have already been purchased for this year’s event. Brady said the backpacks will be divided into groups appropriate for elementary, middle school and high school students.

The project began with 25 backpacks during its first year and increased to 50 during the second year. Organizers are planning for 75 this year.

Each backpack will contain school supplies, although Brady said the organizers may not be able to provide every item included on a student’s complete classroom list. The goal is to give children a strong start and reduce some of the financial pressure families face at the beginning of the school year.

The Shenandoah Community School District has posted its 2026-27 elementary, middle school and high school supply lists online. The lists include specific requests concerning pencils, crayons, glue, headphones and other classroom materials.

Community members may donate backpacks, crayons, pencils, notebooks, glue sticks, headphones and other new school supplies.

Donations may be dropped off at Healthy Tails Retreat or at The Mill when someone is working at the building. Monetary donations are also welcome.

Families receiving assistance will be able to select from the available backpacks during the event. Any remaining backpacks and supplies may be distributed through the Hispanic Center, the school district or teachers who know of students needing assistance.

Brady said additional notebooks and supplies can also be saved for students who need replacement materials midway through the school year.

The event is not limited to Shenandoah students.

No identification or proof of school enrollment will be required. Brady said families should attend when a child needs a haircut, backpack or school supplies.

Vendors offering children’s items or back-to-school merchandise may also contact Brady about participating.

Organizers are open to creating a clothing swap for donated children’s school clothes.