130 Haircuts Means School Supplies for Pottstown

Photo Courtesy of Justin Valentine

About 130 free back-to-school haircuts for students were provided Sunday at Blade's Edge Unisex Salon in exchange for donations of school supplies

Five large boxes of school supplies were divided among Pottstown's four elementary schools thanks to the contributions of more than 130 people who turned out Sunday for free back-to-school haircuts at Blade's Edge Unisex Salon.

Photo Courtesy of Justin Valentine
Five large boxes worth of school supplies were collected Sunday.

Owner Tony Betts announced the initiative earlier this month in this space and in The Mercury, hoping to build on last year's successful effort.

"This year, we were much better organized," Betts said Wednesday. Last year, the shop gave 100 haircuts but only generated enough school supply donations to provide to one school -- Franklin Elementary.

This year, those efforts produced five boxes, meaning each of Pottstown's four elementary schools received a box of free school supplies for those who cannot afford them.

As you can see in this brief video shot by John Armato, the school district's director of community relations, things were hoping.

Photo Courtesy of Rupert Elementary School

Rupert Principal Matt Moyer, left, receives a donation of 

school supplies from Blade's Edge Salon. From left are 

Erick Dominguez, Burrell Biggs, Tony Betts and Corey Sowers.

BELOW: Tony Betts provides one of 130 free haircuts Sunday.

"I'm not looking to promote myself or my shop, this is about everyone coming together to help the town," Betts said.

"We also want to show the community, the parents to show how much we can do, with each of us just
giving a little," Betts said.

"We want to show the schools, the teachers, the administrators, that we appreciate what they do for our children," he said.

"I definitely think we'll do this next year," said Betts. "I want to try to surpass my goal for this year, which was 200 hair cuts."

In addition, said Betts, "we want other businesses, other organizations here in town to help support the schools."

That may already be happening.

This coming Sunday, the Deliverance Life Center will hold a similar event called "Cuts and Curls." that will offer free back-to-school hair cuts and styling.

It will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the White House Barber and Styling Salon, 246 King St. and will be hosted by Joyce Wilkerson.

It will feature food, raffles and free hair styling, but walk-ins will not be accepted.

Parents who want to take advantage of this for their children must register online by clicking here.

Time of appointment and stylist will be sent via email.

Hair must be clean, dry and free of product.