Garage of Blessings in Oak Harbor will be hosting a series of events to get students ready for school.

Between 12-3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28 and Tuesday, Aug. 30, any student returning to school can go the Garage of Blessings for a free haircut from a licensed cosmetologist. The offer includes all home-schooled and college students.

Starting 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1., students who’ve qualified and turned in their coupon from the Opportunity Council of Island County will receive either a free outfit or a new pair of shoes.

The clothes and shoes are being provided by community sponsors after information was collected about each of the students’ sizes and needs.

This event averages around 240 students each year.

At the same time on Friday, students who did not qualify for assistance from any other organization but still have a financial need, may receive free school supplies.

This can include students from kindergarten all the way to college.

Also, a free dinner will be provided Friday night by The BBQ Joint, served by volunteers from the Church of the Nazarene.

“It’s a very emotional event,” said Kristiina Miller, founder of Garage of Blessings.

Miller said her favorite part is seeing the look on the kids’ faces when they open their individual bags to see what the sponsors bought just for them.

“It’s like Christmas for two hours.”