As a new school year approaches and students cringe at the thought of summer vacation ending, there are those who embrace the start of school and an opportunity to help students get off on the right foot.

That’s why United Faith Church and Selah Suites salon are spearheading the third annual Back to School Bash from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Sallisaw Middle School gymnasium.

“Every year, we literally put this together with the community,” says event coordinator Trina Ramirez about the event that benefits Pre-K through 12th grade students from throughout Sequoyah County. “It’s funded completely by the community. It is literally a community-puttogether event.”

The bash features plenty of freebies: Haircuts, manicures, hygiene bags, food and entertainment.

“The haircuts are free from all local stylists, so are the manicures,” Ramirez says. “And we put together hygiene bags, so they get shampoo, conditioner, all the things they need for hygiene.”

Firstar Bank provides totes for the students, while event organizers provide all the items that go home with the students.

In addition, a bag of groceries will be provided this year. “Cherokee Nation is pairing up with us and giving groceries to each family that comes out,” Ramirez says. “It is literally a whole bash. It’s really fun. They do have a lot of fun.” Ramirez says more than 350 students participated in last year’s bash, the largest student turnout to date. “Each year that we’ve been doing it, more and more people are hearing about it, so they’re coming out.”

Also provided are gentlyworn clothes, “and that’s another big thing that families come out for.”

Ramirez moved to Sallisaw four years ago from Southern California, and immediately saw a need for students.

“This is actually a charity that I had in California. When I got here, I noticed it was very much needed. So I said, ‘you know what, I’m gonna bring it together here.’ We did with the help of the community.

“I just saw every year it grew, so I said we have to keep it going. It’s such a need,” Ramirez says. “We have great barbers and stylists that come and help. We try to do it the first week that they’re gonna start school, so that they go to school with everything they need.

Classes at Belfonte, Brushy, Central, Gans, Moffett, Muldrow and Sallisaw begin Aug. 10, while classes at Gore, Roland and Vian begin Aug. 17.

“We’re doing it on Aug. 13, ’cause we’re kinda right in the middle of where everybody starts. So it’s not too soon and not too late, we’re right in the middle for all the county schools.”

Donors and corporate sponsors are still be accepted for the back-toschool event.

For more information, call Ramirez at 909-5459720 or email BackTo-S-choolBashSallisaw@ gmail.com.