FLINT, Mich. – Flint students in need of warm clothing and groceries will have the opportunity to receive free coats, hats, mittens and food during a community giveaway hosted by the Thrive On Afterschool Program at Freeman Elementary School.
Additionally, barbers and hairstylists will be available to provide free haircuts and hairstyling for students.
“We are grateful to the Flint Classroom Support Fund and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan for helping make this event possible,” said Jimmela Byrd, Community School Director for the Flint Center at Freeman. She also acknowledged her predecessor, Jordan Munerlyn, for securing the grant that funded the clothing giveaway and haircuts.
The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan will also host a pop-up food distribution, which will be open to the public.
“This event gives kids a confidence boost,” Munerlyn said. “We did a similar event last year, and you could see the kids light up when they received a brand-new coat and a fresh haircut. It makes them feel like they belong, which impacts how they feel about school.”
Funded by a $2,000 grant from the Flint Classroom Support Fund, the event supports the Flint Center’s mission to improve student attendance and social well-being through community education initiatives.
The event will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Freeman Elementary School.