Volunteer at Backpacks & Cuts 2026!

Backpacks and Cuts is a free community celebration hosted by the Happy Pappy Foundation to send local youth and seniors into the school year feeling rooted, nourished, and ready to shine. We provide free haircuts, backpacks & school supplies, hot meals, fresh produce, clothing, and a full lineup of creative, healing-arts, and self-care stations — all in one joyful afternoon in the heart of Pacoima.

We need 30-50 enthusiastic volunteers across 30 roles to make this day possible. Whether you're handy with scissors, love working with kids, or just want to show up and help — there's a place for you on our team.

Volunteer Roles Available:

• setup/breakdown crew
• activities assistance/facilitator
• food handling/distribution
• Licensed Barber
• Licensed Hairstylist
• general support/floater
• photographer
• videographer

What to Expect:

Setup volunteers arrive at 9:00 AM. All other volunteers check in by 10:30 AM for a brief orientation. The event runs 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, followed by a 1.5-hour breakdown. We'll close with a group photo and a heartfelt thank-you. Plan for roughly 3–6 hours total depending on your role. Volunteers will have a zoom call one day prior to the event to review roles, event details and open for any questions for Event Day.

Minimum age requirement

Volunteers must be 17 years or older. Volunteers under 18 should bring a signed parental consent form.

Skills & interests we're looking for

Love working with kids, Bilingual (Spanish a plus), Creative & crafty, Photography/video experience, Food handling experience, Social media savvy, Organized & reliable, Calm under pressure, Mental health background, attention-to-detail

happypappy.org