ALBANY, Calif. (KGO) — Community members and local businesses are stepping up to help people struggling to get by during the federal government shutdown. One barber in Albany is hoping to help in more ways than one.
At Eclipse Hair Studio on San Pablo Avenue in Albany, co-owner Arturo Perez is offering a helping hand.
“It’s a very good day,” said Perez.
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He’s a neighbor helping another neighbor.
“To any family that needs anything. They can come over here,” said Perez.
As a father of four, he knows it can be tough for families to put food on the table — and even more so during the federal government shutdown.
He’s giving free haircuts on Sunday in exchange for a food donation.
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“Spaghetti, canned food, cereal,” said Perez.
It’s a small gesture of kindness, but it’s making a big difference.
“We had nothing on the table and now we have all of this – all of these goods right now. It contributes to everyone. Thanksgiving is coming up,” said Perez.
When we met up with Perez, he already had eight clients stop by — everyone making a donation.
One client — who needed it — walking away with a bag of donated food.
“They’re very happy. Very happy. There’s a lot of people in need right now,” said Perez.
Perez says if you need a haircut, he’ll offer you one for free.
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“If you need a haircut, you don’t even need to donate,” said Perez.
“Perez usually has Sundays and Mondays off. But he’s donating his time and his service every Sunday for the rest of the year,” said Perez.
Samuel Ngutoto and his 8-year-old son Jayden stopped by to get a haircut and learned what Perez is doing.
“Just to know someone is doing this, and helping the community, I can’ t think of any better barber to go to than him from here on,” said Ngutoto.
Perez says it’s a valuable lesson — sharing is caring.
“Just help out one another. Help out one another. It’s not bad to give back,” said Perez. “It’s a blessing to anybody.”
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Young ones like Jayden are learning a lesson about kindness.
“Be kind to each other,” said Jayden.
Perez can’t help but get a bit emotional about the experience.
“My emotions are up and down right now,” said Perez.
Moved to tears, he says his heart is also filled with joy to give and inspire others to give back.
“It makes me feel good. This is one of the best days of my life, really,” said Perez.
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