The Shop gives free haircuts 

to emergency shelter residents

PUTNAM — The Shop of Putnam recently hosted an event for the Access Community Action Agency’s Emergency Shelter Residents, “Haircuts for The Less Fortunate”, to give back to their community. They gave haircuts, mini massages, mini facials and care packages to seven residents of Access Emergency Shelter in Danielson.  Walmart supplied the care packages and Athen’s Pizza and Soleil & Suns Bakery furnished great food and treats as the shelter residents enjoyed their services. 

“I just left heaven”, announced Roberta, a shelter resident.  “This is a first time experience for me; I feel so comfortable and so soothed.”.  One resident, Chet, was very excited to get a haircut for his new job as a caregiver. “It has been an interesting two years. Last year was the worst but it’s going to get better.”  Lina, The Shop stylist and organizer of the event, is planning to hold this event yearly and, “…is happy to give back to the community and help those who are less fortunate”. 

The Shop reached out to Eva Csejtey, the Volunteer Engagement Director of Access.  “It was truly a compassionate request from Lina and all the staff at The Shop to give residents who fall upon hard times a chance to feel cared for and valued.  It was more than just providing skilled hair styles; it took time, effort and money to organize with other community resources and to prepare care packages. What a wonderful gift and expression of kindness the hair stylists gave to community members,” says Eva.

The Access Community Action Agency is the federal and state designated anti-poverty agency for Windham and Tolland Counties.  Access provides food, emergency shelter, energy assistance, energy conservation services, job and life skills training, youth mentoring, group homes, senior housing and more for low-income families and individuals.  For more information about Access’ services, call (860) 450-7400 in the Willimantic area, (860) 412-1600 in the Danielson area, or visit www.accessagency.org.