Hundreds of schoolchildren celebrated their return to school at the third annual Back 2 School Extravaganza.

The youngsters got free hair cuts and braids, as well as school supplies and bags at St Paul Centennial Hall yesterday.

Organisers said so many had turned up they had to issue an urgent appeal through social media for more donations.

Hosted by the Caines brothers and 5 Star barbershop, the event aimed to help families across the Island prepare for the school year — recognising that some of them may struggle to make ends meet.

Also provided throughout the day was a PlayStation video game hub, DJ, food and other giveaways.

“The Caines brothers and 5 Star barbershop’s Back 2 School Extravaganza can only be classified as a resounding success,” Dwayne Caines said.

“There were 425 boys and approximately 135 girls being served and 715 school bags and supplies distributed. We had 22 barbers spearheaded by 5 Star barbershop and from the various barbershops throughout the Island. There were also 18 different hairstylists for girls as well as manicurists.

“The commitment shown by the hairstylists and barbers was incredible as many stayed the entire day.”

Michael Dunkley was among the guests throughout the day, as well as MP Jeff Sousa, senator Vic Ball, MP Nandi Davis, Opposition Leader Marc Bean and Shadow Minister of Finance David Burt.

Motivational speakers of the day were MP Lawrence Scott, PHC president Jonathan Ball and former Olympian Debbie Jones-Hunter.

Shawnta Simmons, sponsor and president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, said: “It’s been great, we ran out of bags.

“We gave them all out to children and families that need them and we hoped that more bags were donated. It’s been absolutely successful.”

Antoine Richards, vice president of the Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club, said: “I think this event has been great, it’s been worthwhile, getting kids ready for back to school.

“We were invited because we are working closely with the Caines brothers on other initiatives and the police, aligning our message with theirs. We’re all in the business of empowering our kids, educating our kids and giving them better opportunities than we had.”

DeAzha Chambers, a part-time hairstylist at Elite Salon, ran over to the venue on her lunch break to help.

“I just thought I’d come lend a hand to the pretty girls, so that they can look pretty for school. I just like to see their smiles on their faces,” she said.

“This has been a beautiful event. At first you think that people in Bermuda only go away to school, they get their degrees, they come back and they work but when they have the drive to come home and give back, I love that.

“There’s nothing like giving back to your own. It’s been an amazing event.”

Mr Caines thanked sponsors Sun Life Financial International, Security Associates, South Shore Hospitality Group, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Atlantic Vision Care, St Paul AME, Dunkley Dairy and Supermart, as well as more than 50 volunteers.

“This was an example of the whole community coming together to work for a common cause and this personifies this year’s motto which is ‘We Believe in You’,” said Mr Caines.

Mr Dunkley thanked the Caines brothers for their “foresight and dedication” in ensuring that Bermuda’s families and young people were provided with the support they needed.

Mr Bean said in a statement: “To see hundreds of students out in preparation for the upcoming school year was inspiring and exciting.

“This is a wonderful event and it shows what can happen when the community joins together. We appreciate the sacrifice and contributions of the barbers, hairdressers, volunteers and all those that make this event a success.”