Volunteers come together to make an impact with new hair styles for almost 50 people

LACONIA — Lakes Region residents refreshed their looks on Saturday, after hair stylists and barbers offered free haircuts to children and those who need them at the Faith Alive Christian Fellowship church. There were 75 people in attendance throughout the day, with 47 people receiving haircuts. Hair stylist Lauren Mock of Skintastically You, a booth renter at Moderno Barbershop in Tilton, said she had been waiting for this day since she was asked to be a part of it.

“I woke up bright and early, I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m looking forward to today,’” Mock said.

Samantha Scott came with her two daughters and son, all of whom got haircuts. Her children have not had haircuts since their father died in a car accident. Being a single mother made it hard to prioritize a haircut, and she was grateful for the free haircuts.

“I was ecstatic, because they haven’t been able to get haircuts since about a year and a half ago,” she said.

Mae Paonessa, hair stylist at Shh it’s a Salon and organizer of the event, hoped the effort would have a good impact on the community.

“I’m grateful for what I can do to give back. The fact that my little small idea is something super special to someone else,” Paonessa said.

During the event, six stylists and three barbers gave their time. Four stylists came from Jennifer’s Color Bar in Gilford. Owner stylist Jennifer Fielders said in addition to this haircut event, her salon gives back to the community in many ways. Her salon has a Pub Mania team for the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction community challenge. They have done a Fashion for a Cause show and Super Soup Smackdown. Fielders gave special credit to Paonessa for organizing the event, as she knows how difficult it is to pull off something this successful.

“It's a lot to do to get it all set up, and I really appreciate her doing that this year,” Fielders said.

In addition to the haircuts, massages were offered. Danielle Rivera, an independent massage therapist from Meredith, said massages are the perfect thing to get during the holiday season. Some people may be stressed during the holiday season, buying gifts or working overtime, and others might be sad, thinking of loved ones they lost.

“Everybody, after they get a massage, they feel good. They feel relaxed,” she said. “Everybody's happy after.”

Some people didn’t come for the haircuts. Many people experiencing homelessness also came for the free burgers and hotdogs, as well as warmth.

Paonessa thought, despite organizing the event, it could not have been as successful without everyone who volunteered their time. She thanked all the stylists and barbers, as well as family and friends who helped set up and clean up the event, and supported her during the entire process. She also gave recognition to the church for hosting the event.

While she just finished her outreach, Paonessa is already thinking ahead to doing another event next year. She hopes to make this an annual thing, and wants to make it bigger and better each time. She said other stylists have reached out, showing interest in volunteering next year. She also wants to have more child-friendly activities, including blow-up houses. She also plans to hold it before Thanksgiving next year, but asks the community to stay tuned for more information.

“There will be something for the community to look forward to next year as well,” she said.