Local barbershop, non-profit helping children get school-year-ready

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — At Rich Forever Barbershop, it’s a team effort to make the community feel its best, and that doesn’t stop in the barber’s chair. Every year, the barbershop hosts a back-to-school supply drive.

“Just seeing the kids be happy and they got new stuff, I love it,” said Diamon Richardson, a barber at Rich Forever Barbershop.

“I know I liked it when I was a kid when I got new shoes or new pencils and crayons so that’s a blessing too.”

They want to pay it forward, starting now you can drop off donations like notebooks, pencils and pens at the shop that’s next to Main and 39th in Kansas City. You can also reach out to non-profits like Operation Breakthrough, which helps some of Kansas City’s most vulnerable children.

“We are fortunate to have a drive that takes place for our families that gives every child a backpack and all the supplies they need,” said Mary Esselman, CEO of Operation Breakthrough.

Supplies needed aren’t just limited to what’s used in the classroom. Donations can also include hygiene products, all of which can add up.

“When you’re trying to divide out how you are going to pay for everything, school supplies are not traditional on that list,” said Esselman.

“And you’re having to squeeze the budget to get those.”

To put that cost into perspective, according to the National Retail Federation this year families with kids in grade school plan to spend an average of $875. That’s about $15 less than last year’s record of $890.

The most popular categories are electronics, clothing and shoes.

That’s why from a center of operations to a barber shop, the impact a community can have on a kid to feel confident and ready to start a new year of learning is priceless.

“Just to help out the community and be a positive uplifting to the community as well as my team,” said Richardson.

“Everybody is great helping out kids whatever the needs.”

You can drop off donations at the barber shop until August 10. You can also get in touch with community non-profits like Operation Breakthrough to find out how you can give to them.