Local barber shop gives free haircuts, school supplies to students

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - For the second year, the Barber Lounge in Albany's Loudon Plaza is helping make the stress of going back to school a little easier for some local families by hosting a back-to-school community give back day. The barbershop provided free youth haircuts and school supplies for students ultimately, helping parents with back- to-school costs and students with their confidence.

At the barbershop, owner Kevin George, and his team did over 75 haircuts on any student in need. MeTime Nail & Spa, also joining in the event by painting children's nails for free. The give back day also gives other resources to families in need, such as free meals, face painting, and donated backpacks and school supplies.

The co-organizer, Skydell McCall, who is also a longtime friend of Kevin George, the owner of the Barber Lounge in Albany, said they saw a need and stepped up.

"Funds are not out there, and it's hard for families that have five or six kids you know to try to get their haircut, nails done," McCall said. "So we are doing this to help the parents out."

TrustCo Bank, along with the Albany Police and Fire Departments, were also at the event and spoke with parents and kids ahead of the school year. Bank representatives talked with families about opening bank accounts for children, while the Albany Police and Fire Department discussed child ID cards, and safety tips.

10-year-old Chawn Santos and his cousins all got a haircut at the event. Chawn's aunt, La'Non Kearse, said this is a huge helping hand.

"It's such a blessing because when you have parents who are struggling to make ends meet and they need to get free bookbags, it's such a blessing to give back to the community and to the kids," Kearse said.

9-year-old Cheyenne Brown said she got her nails painted at the event and is fully on board with the free service and school supplies.

"Some people don't have enough money to buy some of their own stuff, and I think it's really nice of them to give out stuff for free," Brown said.

The organizers said they plan to do this event next year but bigger, with the hope to do more haircuts and have more backpacks to fill.