For Cynthia Lozier, it’s all about helping kids.

The Auburn woman began organizing the Barbers’ Roundup a year ago, a one-day event in which needy children can get a free haircut, school supplies and new clothes before classes begin.

“What I’m trying to do is make a one-stop place where a child will get their hair done, get clothes and new shoes and a backpack filled with school supplies. And have fun while getting them done,” Lozier said. “That way, the school has everything they need from the kids, and the kids have everything they need when they start school.”

The Roundup returns Sept. 1 at the Auburn Food Bank, 930 18th Place NE. The event begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until supplies are gone.

The event – with the help of the food bank, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, SuperMall Walmart, Sylvan, other businesses and churches – helped 358 kids last year.

Lozier hopes that was just the beginning.

“We had a lot of help from the Muckleshoot last year,” said Lozier, a caretaker and babysitter. “They have a thing called the Charity Fund, and we were able to tap into that.

Despite having only a few weeks to organize, Lozier said the inaugural event went off without a hitch.

“It worked out fine, but we want to help more kids,” she said. “I’m a dreamer. I’d like to help 5,000 kids.”

This year, however, the Roundup will have to operate without its main funding source.

“We missed (the Muckleshoot’s) deadline,” she said. “They had their meeting in June. So we’re going to have to really buckle down. I’m working with the Auburn Food Bank on this.”

Lozier also received help from Lynette Stair of Won Generation.

In addition to the businesses already on board, the Roundup is getting help from local churches.

The list of things needed is long, including new clothes, coats, school supplies, backpacks and shoes. Lozier hopes other community members and organizations will step up and help.

Some businesses have responded. Oshkosh B’gosh and Carter’s stores at the SuperMall will have bins for donated items at their locations up until the event. Both stores will offer a 20-percent discount on any items to anyone who donates clothes or school supplies for the Roundup on Saturday.

“It’s a lot of work, but when you see that the kids get everything they need and they’re happy, not ashamed to go to school because they have the things they’re supposed to have, it’s worth it,” Lozier said.

For more information or to donate, call 253-394-1966.