PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The start of a new school year in Philadelphia also means time for free backpack giveaways and getting students off on the right foot.
At Final Touch Barber Academy, instructors like Howard Meyers teach more than just cutting hair.
"No matter what school I taught at, my main objective was to give back and to teach the students to give back," he said.
The shop hosted a backpack giveaway, bringing in many kids from the neighborhood for free haircuts, food, and fun, just in time for the start of the school year.
Three-year-old Kay was happy to show off his new backpack. "It's green," he beamed.
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For Josiah Robinson from South Philly, the day was a win-win, an opportunity to give back to the community and practice his barber skills. "That's one of my favorite things about this school, that we get to service the community so much," he said.
Owner Ron Curtis said they even gifted sneakers to some kids. The event is part of his business' mission to uplift and empower the community.
"We're just trying to be a blessing to the kids. It's a big part of the success that we try to build, help the kids become better future people of society," he said.
After a tough year and uncertainty around the coming school year, it was an act of kindness the kids could really appreciate.