Look and feel good while doing good.
On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Women’s Resource Center hosts its annual Santa’s Snippers Cut-A-Thon. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, 3201 Rockwell Ave., Scranton, professional licensed cosmetologists from area salons will provide haircuts while the students from CTC offer express manicures and facials.
Santa’s Snippers is a national organization created by a senior vice president of a national cosmetics company. She had a personal connection to domestic violence and realized that, before agencies like WRC existed, women would go to their hairstylists for advice and help.
Colleen Pettinato, event co-chairwoman, got involved with the program as a hairstylist before also joining the planning committee eight years ago. She knows firsthand the bond shared between stylists and their clients.
“(The event founder) just thought it made perfect sense to start something like this,” she said, adding fellow co-chairwomen Maura Boland and Sally Preate also have been involved for years. “We’re honored to be able to continue this event.”
Haircuts at the 30th annual event cost $15, and all of the proceeds will be donated to WRC and go toward its work with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the community.
The cause hits close to home for most of us. Unfortunately, I’ve personally known a handful of women who have relied on the WRC to leave dangerous situations and find healing. It’s not just women either, as men and children also benefit from its services, and preventative programming also exists to teach middle- and high-schoolers in area districts the consequences and how to spot warning signs of dating violence. It’s ugly and something we don’t want to talk about, but it’s necessary. I wish organizations like WRC didn’t have to exist, but the work the staff and volunteers do there literally saves lives. Anything that supports that cause is well worth it.
On the other side, everyone can use a little sprucing up around the holidays. This can be a stressful time, and self-care is necessary. Getting your hair done or having a quick manicure or facial can be just the thing you need to refresh and reset. Plus, getting into a salon this time of year is rough if you don’t have an appointment booked already.
At the event, stylists from area salons including Sanderson Place Salon & Spa, Scranton; Sanderson State Street Salon, Clarks Summit; and Headcase Salon, Dickson City, will be on hand to make you look and feel your best. Many return to volunteer each year, including April Meade of 510 Salon, Dunmore.
“We really can’t thank our hairdressers enough, past and present, who come in on their day off to do this,” Pettinato said. “We also have families who come back year after year to support the cause.”
CTC students, led by cosmetology director Yolanda Martinelli, also make up a huge part of the event, Pettinato said. The event also gives budding beauty industry pros experience that they can’t learn in a classroom.
You also can bring your little ones along for a fun afternoon. The event is family-friendly, and there will be kids’ crafts and snacks on hand, face painting and even a visit from Santa Claus.
“It turns out to be such a fun event, and we really look forward to it every year,” Pettinato said.
Tickets will be available at the door but also can purchased in advance or donated. For more information, call 570-346-4460, ext. 120, or visit wrcnepa.org.
Everyone deserves to look and feel their best. A facial, a manicure and fresh hair will make you look and feel good. Giving back, though, will make you glow.
If you go
What: 30th annual Santa’s Snippers Cut-A-Thon
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, 3201 Rockwell Ave., Scranton
Details: Haircuts cost $15, and all proceeds will be donated to the Women’s Resource Center. Tickets can be purchased in advance at , and those tickets also can be donated back to WRC for one of its clients to use. For more information, call 570-346-4460, ext. 120, or visit wrcnepa.org.
Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT
