SAN ANTONIO — A long-time partnership in San Antonio is all about giving back to the community with free haircuts. The Psi Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity INC, and Williams Barber College have been working together for the last several years in providing free back to school haircuts.
This year, the free cuts started Wednesday and will continue on Thursday, August 8.
Elon Silas is the owner of Williams Barber College. He said it is one of the oldest running barber colleges in San Antonio.
"I like the idea of giving back to people," he said. "When I can, I will."
Silas said it is also about helping build confidence for the kids.
"When you are going back to school with new clothing on and a nice haircut, you feel like you should be going to school that day," he said.
The idea all started with the members of the Psi Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity INC. The San Antonio chapter has been around since 1940. Jordan Lester, with the organization, said at first it started as free cuts for Easter and then grew to back to school cuts.
"First impressions leave lasting impressions," he said. "And a lot of times, kids go to school without haircuts and low self-esteem. We want to boost their self-esteem and allow them to feel good about themselves."
Lester said they were one of the first organizations to start the free back to school cuts in the city.
"Community at its core," Lester said. "Our whole thing is about servicing the community."
Lester also with a reminder for others in the community.
"Give back in some way shape or form," he said. "Again our service to San Antonio has been 83 years long. But, everybody can do something."
The haircuts are happening Thursday starting at 9:00 a.m. until 3 p.m., and are for kids from K-to-12 grade.
The event is located at Williams Barber College at 520 S WW White Road, San Antonio, TX 78220.