SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tru Cutz Barbershop is back again for the fourth year of free hair cuts and school supply giveaways for students. This year, there is a new surprise donation – a pair of sneakers with any hair cut!
A few years back Tru Cutz owner Henry Jenkins and his business partner decided to assist the community in getting students ready to start their school year fully prepared.
“Originally me and my partner are both from The Terrace, so we grew up in more or less of a low-income situation,” said Jenkins. “When we originally opened up the barbershop it was actually right across the street from the Terrace - our old location ...we knew that there was a lot of kids that couldn’t afford haircuts and we opened that May and that summer was our first summer."
Tru Cutz Barbershop holds this event for three days during shop business hours where students’ grades K through 12 can walk in and have their hair cut and styled or to simply get a backpack filled with donated school supplies.
“We don’t deny any school supplies to any kids so girls can still come, they can still get a backpack, school supplies and a pair of shoes even if they don’t get a haircut,” said Jenkins.
For about a month prior to the event, Tru Cutz accepts open cash and supply donations from individuals and businesses alike. All companies and business who donate get to have their business logo displayed in their shop as a token of appreciation.
A few years back Tru Cutz owner Henry Jenkins and his business partner decided to assist the community in getting students ready to start their school year fully prepared.
“Originally me and my partner are both from The Terrace, so we grew up in more or less of a low-income situation,” said Jenkins. “When we originally opened up the barbershop it was actually right across the street from the Terrace - our old location ...we knew that there was a lot of kids that couldn’t afford haircuts and we opened that May and that summer was our first summer."
Tru Cutz Barbershop holds this event for three days during shop business hours where students’ grades K through 12 can walk in and have their hair cut and styled or to simply get a backpack filled with donated school supplies.
“We don’t deny any school supplies to any kids so girls can still come, they can still get a backpack, school supplies and a pair of shoes even if they don’t get a haircut,” said Jenkins.
For about a month prior to the event, Tru Cutz accepts open cash and supply donations from individuals and businesses alike. All companies and business who donate get to have their business logo displayed in their shop as a token of appreciation.
“We raised about $3,000 last year just from Facebook. We also do the fundraiser which helps raise more money... we use that money to get the school supplies. Anything that’s leftover we just donate it,” said Jenkins.
This year Converse – the sneaker company – heard of this annual event and wanted to take part. Converse has donated 300 pairs of sneakers to be given out for free!
This year Converse – the sneaker company – heard of this annual event and wanted to take part. Converse has donated 300 pairs of sneakers to be given out for free!
“You should see how amazingly happy these kids light up. When they come in, the whole three days is happiness and laughter. You get parents that come up to you and they cry because they didn’t know how they were gonna be able to afford a haircut on top of the school supplies, it’s amazing.”
The Go Back Tru Event will take place on September 2 through 4 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 45 Park Place, Saratoga Springs. To donate visit the Tru Cutz Barbershop Facebook page.
The Go Back Tru Event will take place on September 2 through 4 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 45 Park Place, Saratoga Springs. To donate visit the Tru Cutz Barbershop Facebook page.
