Summer is in full swing. Vacations are planned, BBQs are plentiful, and pools are the new hangout. The little scholars in our lives might be dreading August and the approaching start to another school year.  Still, remember how fun it was to pick out your new backpack, markers, or colorful folders?  Sadly, not all children get to enjoy this type of back to school preparation. 

Many children start the school year without the most basic of school supplies because their families simply can't afford them.  90,000 children to be exact (in the St. Louis area alone!). Things like paper, pencils, crayons and glue which are essential to their success aren't within reach. 

KidSmart, with help from LookAfter Hair Company and other area businesses, is changing that.

KidSmart is an organization that provides free school supplies to over 45,000 students in need in the St. Louis area.  Before each school year, they host a "Push for Pencils" drive to collect both school supplies and monetary donations.  At their school supply “store,” teachers are welcome to shop for their students who cannot afford the basic supplies (at no cost).

For years, LookAfter has collected monetary donations every August on behalf of KidSmart Push for Pencils drive.  In just the past four years, we’ve raised over $27,000!  As a stylist at LookAfter since 2005, I recognize how much of an impact each individual donation makes, and I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made.  This August, let’s prepare more children than ever for the school year ahead.  We hope you stop in during August for a new back to school style, and support our annual Push for Pencils drive!