Submitted by Michelle O’Connor-Sidlow, HKYFS
(July 7, 2026) — Summer days are long, hazy, and full of fun! While we know it’s way too early for kids to be thinking about going back to school, the staff and volunteers at Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services are gearing up to make sure every student has a strong new school year. The HKYFS 13th Annual Backpack School Supply program is now underway, offering essential school supplies to HK students who need a little extra support.
We need your help! Community members looking to support the program can contribute by donating items through the HKYFS School Supply Wish List on Amazon or by dropping off items in one of our collection boxes between July 8, 2026 and August 7, 2026 at Nutmeg Pharmacy, Liberty Bank, Haddam Town Office Building, Killingworth Pharmacy, Killingworth True Value, Killingworth Town Hall, or at HKYFS, 91 Little City Road, Higganum. Donations also can be made on our website for us to do the shopping.
List of Needed Items: Backpacks in all colors/sizes, lunchboxes, water bottles, notebooks, pencils, folders, colored pencils, index cards, markers, and more. Families can sign up now through August 11, 2026 to receive supplies before the school year begins. Please find more information on our website: www.hkyfs.org
Back-to-School Haircut Event
HKYFS is once again co-hosting its Eighth Annual Back-to-School Haircut Event with Dillon Zak and the Glenwood Barbershop. This free haircut event will take place on Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Haddam Volunteer Firehouse in Higganum. This is always such a wonderful day of helping students look and feel their best as they return to school. Bring a canned good for the HK Backpack program. We are so grateful to Dillon and all the barbers who give their time, energy, and positivity to make the HK community so special. Can’t wait to see you there!
To learn more about these and other programs offered through HKYFS, please visit www.hkyfs.org or email info@hkyfs.org with questions.
