Ave Salon hairstylist Mandie Barnes has been giving free haircuts to hundreds of homeless people in Utah.
Barnes was inspired by another stylist who was doing the same type of work in New York City.
“I wanted to do it around Christmastime,” says Barnes in a video filmed by production company CIRCA3. “I thought, this is the reason for the season. I want to give back and kind of remember what Christmastime is all about.”
With the help of volunteer Brook Brian, Barnes organized the event on December 19 at Ogden Rescue Mission.
She even recruited several other stylists to contribute their time for the homeless.
Local businesses and friends donated supplies, food, and even clothing like hats and socks.
Barnes and friends are also hoping to donate 300 turkeys in a food drive for families in need, and people in shelters, over the holidays.
“I feel human again. It’s awesome, bringing a little tear to my eye,” one homeless man said after seeing his new haircut.
“I feel like a haircut can go a long ways for someone,” says Barnes “Whenever someone comes in the salon, or even here today, I just feel like a haircut gives them an extra boost of confidence maybe to find a job, or just feel good about themselves for the holidays. Hopefully they’ll just feel better walking out the door than they did walking in.”
“[It] means a lot to me, it make me feel like I’m respectable again, you know?”
