Back to school may be the furthest thing from the minds of local schoolchildren, but it’s just around the corner for Cynthia Lozier.
Lozier, who founded the Barbers Roundup – a charitable organization that collects donations of new clothes and school supplies and offers free haircuts and styling from local businesses for distribution to any student in need of help – is already looking ahead to Aug. 31, the organization’s fourth annual distribution day.
“I started it because you could see that there were children in the community that needed help,” Lozier said. “It just makes me feel good when the kids smile when they see what they’re getting.”
Last year Lozier and the Barber’s Roundup distributed clothes, supplies and haircuts to 681 children from 18 different cities. The event attracted children from as far away as Portland, Lozier said.
This year the Roundup aims to be even bigger.
Already, Lozier said, she has donations lined up from several businesses, including Walmart, Carters, OshKosh B’Gosh, QFC in Enumclaw and the South Auburn Walgreens.
Additionally, Kent-based PCR Recycling is chipping in by donating money for every old cell phone and empty ink cartridge donated to the cause.
A collection barrel has been set up at the Colonial Village Apartment Homes at 2022 I St. N.E. for the phones and cartridges.
Chiming in with time, advice and logistical help are Whole Truth Ministry pastors Wille and Martha Davis, Reverend Len Bundy with Won Generation, and Lynette Stair with Common Thread.
Lending financial support for the Barber’s Roundup are several Native American tribes, including the Muckleshoot, Quinault, Tulalip and Skokomish.
This year’s distribution is Aug. 31 at the Cascade Beauty School at 435 E. Main, where clothes, haircuts and supplies will be handed out to kids in need.
“They’re not barbers, they’re cosmetologists, but the students will be giving complimentary haircuts,” Lozier said.
“It’s getting bigger and bigger,” she continued. “I’m not surprised (at how many people help out) because I see the bigger picture. I envision this happening at the fairgrounds where the kids come from all over, and we’re able to help them because we’ve collected all the donations. I’m looking at having racks of clothes the kids can go through and pick out a couple outfits, couple pairs of shoes. That way I know the first week they’ll be able to fit in with the rest of the kids.”
For more information, or to help out, contact Cynthia Lozier at 253-394-1966.
