About 75 youngsters had their ears lower Monday afternoon and will go back to school with a “fresh start.”

The X-Treme Ryders Motorcycle Club offered free haircuts provided by Cut Creations and gave school supplies to students in kindergarten through eighth grade as a way of “giving back to the community.”

Jimmy Thomas, X-Treme Ryders Motorcycle Club president, said the motorcycle club had 250 back-to-school packets to give away on a first-come basis. Kenneth Bean, Cut Creations owner, said he expected that the five barbers at his shop would give about 75 haircuts between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.

“This event is a way that we can give back to the community and help the kids get the school year off to a fresh start,” Thomas said. “Last year, we had a very good turnout. This year, several churches are doing something similar so, with everyone involved, we can help a lot of kids.”

The school packets were made up of recommended supplies for each grade level.

The X-Treme Ryders also had hotdogs for the kids who took advantage of either or both of the give-aways.

Thomas said the X-Treme Ryders Motorcycle Club started with five members who enjoyed riding. The number has grown to 11 and the focus of the club has shifted more toward community involvement.

“We still enjoy riding together but what we really enjoy is doing things for the community, especially the kids,” Thomas said. “At Christmas and Thanksgiving, we adopt a family and help make the holidays special for them. Throughout the year, we help families that are in need.

“We like to encourage kids and let them know how important an education is. So we give a pizza party to an honor class. And, we give three $500-scholarships each year.”

Thomas said club projects are funded through donations, club membership dues and a variety of fund raisers designated for community service projects.