Back-to-school haircuts can be costly for parents.

The youth group at Peace United Methodist Church in Virginia thought of a great way to reach neighbors and help those in need to get a fresh look by holding a treasure sale at the church.

The youth held the sale in mid-August. The congregation, along with some community members, donated household items, clothing, and other goods to the sale.

“[The youth] explained to shoppers that the proceeds were going to help the Salvation Army with back-to-school needs for area children,” Chris Johnson, Peace UMC’s youth director said.

There were no prices on the items—shoppers could donate what they thought was reasonable—and most were very generous.

At the end of the sale the youth had collected more than $2,000 to donate to the Salvation Army. They visited four local barber shops and hair salons to purchase gift cards that could be used. Because of the good deals provided by the stores, more than 100 gift cards were purchased.

“The Salvation Army caseworkers were very excited, no one has ever offered to help kids get haircuts for back-to-school before, and the families were very grateful,” Johnson said.

The remaining treasures were distributed to other local resources that could use them. Boxes of goods were sent to Bill’s House, a homeless shelter, the higher quality jeans and shirts went to the Salvation Army for distribution, other clothing and textiles were sent to the East Range Day Activity Center, and household and decorative items were sent to the Disabled Veterans Organization for its thrift store.

The remaining books will be made into a “Little Free Library” outside the church to keep the cycle of giving going.