Elgin HopeFest: prayer, backpack giveaways, and free haircuts

Three-year-old Isaac Perez of Elgin was almost all smiles Saturday as he had his hair cut during Hopefest by volunteers from Cannella School of Hair Design in Elgin.

This year the community festival at New Life Covenant Church included a backpack and school supply giveaway for all kids who attend, plus free haircuts, in addition to a range of common festival keepsakes.

"It can really help at this time of the year with the beginning of school close by," said Mari Perez of Elgin. "We are truly blessed."

Reina Sotelo, the owner of Cannella School of Hair Design in Elgin, said that she and her students have been volunteering at the event for at least four years.

"We always try to give back to the community. Many of our students are single mothers, and we understand and try to help whenever we can," she said.

Eight-year-old Dylan Vazquez of Carpentersville thought the bunnies and chickens were just the best as he dashed about the small petting zoo filled also with goats and a large llama.