Submitted by Michelle O’Connor-Sidlow, HKYFS
(August 24, 2026) — On August 23, 2026, thirty-eight Haddam-Killingworth youth prepared for the upcoming school year at the Eighth Annual Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services Free Haircut Event. The event was held at the Haddam Volunteer Fire House.
HKYFS extends sincere thanks and gratitude to Dillon Zak (photo above, right, with Sal Verinis), an HKHS graduate and owner of Glenwood Barber Shop in Clinton, for bringing this event back for the eighth year! Dillon, along with Javale Young from The Shop in Newington and Anthony Ceniglio from Scitico Barber Shop in Enfield, offered free haircuts for students, helping them look and feel their best as they return to school. Their generosity of skill, talent and time demonstrates a spirit of community that inspires us all!
Thank you to all the participating families who donated items for the HK Backpack Program. We also want to share our deep gratitude to the local churches, community groups and individuals who donated to our Annual School Supply Backpack Program. Thank you to all who shopped from our Amazon Wishlist and brought donations to the town halls and local business collection boxes throughout Haddam and Killingworth. With this generosity, we were able to ensure that sixty-eight students started their school year prepared and confident! We truly live in an amazing community!
Photos provided by HKYFS
