COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Police and The Starfish Assignment are teaming up to prepare local kids for the start of the school year.

Sponsored by AEP Ohio, 100 pre-registered students will receive new book bags and school supplies, while 50 boys will receive haircuts on Aug. 14. Fifty girls will receive gift certificates to a local beauty school where they can have their hair washed and styled after the event.

What You Need To Know

  • Columbus Police and The Starfish Assignment are teaming up to prepare local kids for the start of the school year

  • Cops and Barbers was inspired through a connection between Columbus Police Officer Pete Casuccio and barber Robert Cayson

  • The Starfish Assignment is a non profit which works alongside law enforcement officers who identify needs within the communities they serve

  • The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14 and will have games, food and community resources available

“Cops and Barbers was inspired through a meaningful connection between Columbus Police Officer Pete Casuccio and barber Robert Cayson, who bonded over a haircut and shared passion for helping nurture the next generation,” said Nicole Banks, president and founder of The Starfish Assignment Columbus in a news release. “Through that relationship, we’re now able to make a positive impact in the community by continuing to create meaningful connections, preparing these kids for a successful school year.”

The Starfish Assignment is a nonprofit which works alongside law enforcement officers who identify needs within the communities they serve. 

“The best way to get kids excited about their education is by connecting with them when they are young and giving them that spark of confidence,” said Columbus Police Officer Pete Casuccio in a news release. "A fresh haircut and school supplies might be the motivation they need to succeed.”

The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14 at the Linden Community Center and will have games, food and community resources available. The event will have outdoor activities for kids including a dunk tank and an inflatable outdoor street hockey rink courtesy of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Due to limited volunteers and resources, walk-ins are not accepted.