Brighten Your Day

Barber Prepares Kids For First Day Of School With Free Haircuts And School Supplies

August 8, 2018

An Alabama barber gave free haircuts and backpacks to kids in his community to ensure they look their best on the first day of school.

Robert Banks / Credit: WBRC

Perfect Line Barber Shop manager Robert Banks used money out of his own pockets to invest in his community - giving out 100 free backpacks and haircuts so kids could start this school year off right.

"Their appearance matters," Banks told WBRC. "The first day of school is the best day of school."

This is the third year Banks has organized the "Annual Back To School Support & Supplies" event at his shop in Ensley, Alabama. It's one he said can change the future of this community just by showing these kids their potential.

"In this community, we have a lack of education, high crime rate, so these children are our future," said Banks. "So if we can give to the children now, and let them see us giving back, when they get older, they'll give back. It'll be a cycle. It'll be a transformation."

Banks said it's not just about the schools supplies and haircuts. It's about the feeling these kids leave with.

"Seeing the children smile out there playing, that makes my day right there. That's all I need to do," said Banks as he cut a boy's hair who gave a sudden grin. "See that little smirk he just did right there? That's all I need to see right there. That little smile."