BY JOE ARCE
Families along with their school bound students just kept coming forming long lines this past weekend at this year’s Guadalupe Centers (GCI) annual Back to School event. Kids with big smiles got to pick their own backpack along with other school supplies. Other students got a new hairdo.
Gina Coronado, director of youth development for Guadalupe Centers, told Hispanic News, “This is our 8th Back to School annual event. As I see the line of families forming, that tells me the need is great, something that we have not seen before with all the families coming out today. And with the higher cost for school supplies, clothes, and shoes, it makes it that much harder for families to provide all the school items that their children will need to start school. We are seeing hundreds more families this year and that is unheard of from previous years. Not only are we providing school supplies, we are also providing snacks, and parents also were offered fresh fruits and vegetables to take home.
We couldn’t do this without the support of our partners and donors so a big shout out to all of them,” said Coronado.
Some of the students also signed up for a new hairdo, and local hair-stylists and barbers were on hand to give kids a brand new look. For these barbers it was important for them to be here giving a helping hand to these area students.
Angelina Tinoco, hair-stylist said, “This is my way of giving back to the community and this is something I’ve been doing for sometime.” Tinoco said she will ask the student what they are wanting in a new haircut. “I can do pretty much anything as long as it is not to crazy… but for the most part just getting them ready with a new look for school is what I’m trying to do.
Crystal Marquez who has spend over 13 years cutting hair said, “ This is my fourth year doing this. Also, my kids go to school here at Guadalupe Charter School. Plus, when I lost my husband, this center helped me out, and now I’m here helping out with these students, giving them a new look.”
Paulo Díaz Padilla said, “I’m just starting out cutting hair as a hobby and making a little extra money, but today it’s all about giving back to the community, along with all these other great barbers. I’m not originally from Kansas City, I moved here about 3 years ago. So it’s also about connecting with the Latino community and making new friends.”
Gina Coronado said, “I, along with all the other volunteers, board members and staff who work to put this event together are happy to bring the Guadalupe Centers Back to School program to the hundreds school bound students and their families. Have a great school year.”
