Last week, a local barbershop, Fadez by J, held its eagerly awaited second annual back-to-school event, giving back to the community of Winslow by providing kids with free haircuts and essential school supplies. The event was a resounding success, with an overwhelming response from the community and generous contributions from local businesses.
Over 100 backpacks filled with school essentials like pencils and notebooks were generously given away to the young attendees. The event drew in more than 100 people, reflecting the significant impact it had on the community. In total, around 50 haircuts were provided, entirely free of charge to children attending the event.
The success of this benevolent initiative was made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses. ASTA Roofing & Construction stepped forward to donate the much-needed school supplies. Additionally, M & J Smokeshop also made significant contributions, including donating some Apple Airpods. High schoolers who went to Fadez by J that week were entered into a raffle to win these sought-after earbuds.
The atmosphere was vibrant and inclusive, with the event catering to both boys and girls. In addition to haircuts, the barbershop offered styling and braiding services, providing an opportunity for the young girls to feel special and confident as they prepared to return to school. Students came from all over the region. Jalen Hayes, the “J” in Fadez by J, said they had people from Holbrook, Joseph City, Flagstaff and many cities on the reservation get their hair cut.
The inspiration for this heartwarming event came from Hayes, who was inspired by his time at barber school. Reflecting on the origins of the event, Hayes shared, “I got the idea from my barber school, who did a similar event where they would donate school supplies and free haircuts to the kids in the neighborhood. I thought there’s nothing like that in Winslow but there are people who want to donate so I asked the owner of ASTA Roofing if he would like to donate while I was cutting his hair and he said yes.”
Hayes’ commitment to giving back to his community led him to incorporate this initiative into his own barbershop once he opened it in town. The sense of joy and fulfillment he experienced through the event was evident in his words as he said, “The event started at 10 a.m. and the first person in line said they got out there around 7:45! Most of them didn’t tell us what they wanted; they just told us to hook them up. It was great seeing all the kids’ faces at the end because most of them hadn’t had their hair cut like that before.”
Snacks were also served to the people who attended and were waiting in the summer heat for their haircut and the kids started playing games with each other while they waited for their turn.
The event’s astounding success has left everyone involved hopeful for the future. When asked about plans for next year, Hayes expressed his eagerness to make the event even bigger, spreading more joy and support in the community. He said he would love for this to be a block party type of event with food, music and free haircuts and school supplies next year with more businesses donating in order to serve the community even more.
Fadez by J’s second annual back-to-school event has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the community, exemplifying the spirit of giving and unity that resonates throughout the town. The event’s success highlights the power of collective efforts in uplifting and supporting the younger generation as they prepare to embark on another academic year.
