WESTBROOK, Maine — As students across Maine get ready to return to the classroom, some are making one important stop before they open their school books — the barber's chair.

On Monday, a group of barbers teamed up with the New England Arab American Organization (NEAAO) to offer free back-to-school haircuts for kids. The event was held at the Westbrook Community Center and aimed to give local families a break from rising costs while helping kids feel confident on the first day of school.

"One of these kids told us it was like $65 for a haircut in Biddeford. That's a lot for a kid's cut," Frank Cintron, one of the barbers at the event, said. "If we can give back, it's lovely."

The event began at 10 a.m. and ran until 4:30 p.m. NEAAO Executive Director Zoe Sahloul said all appointments we

See Full Page