PLAINS- Counselors for Plains Schools held the first annual “Haircut-a-Thon” fundraiser on Monday to help residents trim back their locks and raise money for the counseling program. Organizers said they were pleased with the turnout as people waited in line for a new look before school starts.

School counselors Molly Tingley and Tyrel Allen manned the donation table as four stylists cut hair behind them. Four people occupied the chairs with about a half dozen waiting for their turn for a new haircut to begin the school year.

Tingley and Allen said the event would raise funds to support kids in the community in need of anything from hats and mittens during cold, winter months to food and tickets for local activities.

“Summer is the perfect time for this,” said Allen. “It’s right before school so people can get their hair cut and it gets the community involved.”

The Plains version of the “Haircut-a-Thon” is the brainchild of Josie Schuster. Schuster said she took part in a similar event in college and was inspired to continue the tradition here in Plains. Aided by four colleagues from Kalispell, Schuster said she was happy to provide the valuable service to the community.

“It’s a great way to give back to the community,” said Schuster. “We’ve had a great turnout so far.”

Tingley said the money raised will directly impact children in the community that need a little extra assistance during the school year.

“The money that we raise here today will allow us to respond to the needs of the kids,” said Tingley.