Aug. 5 event offering free haircuts, school supplies

Published 3:25 pm Wednesday, August 1, 2018

By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Three Alabaster barbershops will be giving back to the community this Sunday, as they are teaming up to help local families in need before the start of the 2018 school year.

From 1-5 p.m. on Aug. 5, The Pit Stop Barbershop at 9183 Alabama 119,  Fresh Avenue Grooming and Style at 220 First Street North and Salon 119 at 149 Buck Creek Plaza will be continuing an event begun last year when they open their doors to provide free back-to-school haircuts to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them.

Over the past few weeks, the barbershops have been collecting school supplies, backpacks and donations from area businesses and individuals to provide to those who come to the barbershops during the event.

On Aug. 1, Pitstop owner Gray Keith said the businesses had collected enough school supplies to fill about 100 backpacks for the event, and said the community’s support has been tremendous. In addition to supply donations, the businesses have also been collecting monetary donations they will use to purchase the school supplies they need to fill any remaining backpacks before the event.

Donors include state Sen. Cam Ward, A to Z Auto, Cultivate Church, FRIOs, Hungry Howie’s, Tami Pickett of Pickett Real Estate Partners, The Garage Kickboxing, Marc1 Carwash, Salon 5, Cuts and Such, Salon 119, Alabaster Trophy, Monograms ‘n More, Lazy Boy BBQ, Angel Warriors Foundation, Diesel Unlimited, SEPCO, Boohaker Dental, Shine Shack Auto Detailing, AH Plumbing, ABHI, Rose Office Systems, Chubbfather’s, Midsouth Tire and Wheel, Dirt Sculpting and many more.

Many of the businesses also donated items such as food vouchers and free carwashes, which will be given out throughout the event.

To keep the day running smoothly, the barbershops will offer free haircuts at their locations, and are working with a local church to organize the school supplies. Families who need help with school supplies will be directed to the church from the barbershops, Keith said.

Keith and other businesses along the Alabama 119 corridor started the event last summer as a way to support their neighbors in need during what can be a stressful time of year.

“This is a really good thing. It just feels good to give back,” Keith said. “I’ve been in a position in my life a time or two where I’ve needed help, but I didn’t know where to go for that help. I’ve been in the same situation some of these families are experiencing.”