A single mom of two in Nashville who understands the stress of preparing for children's return to school offered to help other parents out in a big way.

Brittany Starks put up a post in a Facebook group, asking if anyone knew of single parents in need of having their child's hair braided for free, NPR reported. The post took off with almost 300 shares and more than 1,000 interactions.

"Anyone know single parents who can’t afford to get their child’s hair done for school? I will braid it for free! Please DM me," her original post read.

Starks later came back to edit her post after receiving overwhelming interest.

"Update: I have over 30 kids I need help braiding. Does anyone have a space all these braiders can use? Due to the amount of children and braiders there is not enough space," she added to the original post.

Starks' kind offer has blossomed into a community-wide effort with her taking clients at churches, braiding shops and house calls. She's even tapped other braiders in the area to help her in what she describes as a morale booster for the children.

"It boosts confidence," Starks said. "Some kids, they came in, they weren't smiling, they weren't talking, and then, you know, as they get their hair braided, they start opening up a little more and then when they're done, they're just smiling and so happy. It's a great thing to see."

"When your hair is cute, I just feel like you feel so much better about everything," she continued. "[If] your hair is done, you feel confident, you go into school with a fresh start — even though COVID-19's bringing everybody down."

Starks said the stress of returning to school during a pandemic and being on the receiving end of a generous act inspired her good deed, Cafe Mom reported.

While moving into another home and going through a difficult time, Starks said her children's clothes were in storage leaving her to worry about having outfits for their first day of school. She said that's when a friend stepped in and gifted her children a brand new bookbag each with two outfits inside.

The mother of two says the opportunity has been rewarding for her.

"It's been very hard. I haven't gotten any sleep. I've been extremely tired, but it's very worth it," Starks said. "I feel like I'm doing it for a good cause."

Starks is now planning to continue her good deed even after the start of the new school year. She and other volunteers will dedicate a Saturday each month to braid hair for free. To help offset their costs and expenses, a GoFundMe has been set up for the purchase of braiding materials.

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