Successful ‘Give Back to the Community Day’
For the second consecutive year, the hair stylists at April’s Island Salon showed their appreciation to the Pine Island community by celebrating “Give Back to the Community Day.” On Saturday, May 22, April Collins opened the doors of her business to provide free haircuts to those who normally cannot afford the luxury of a professional hair styling. As a result, April and her team of pros provided 75 residents with a new look.
“We were very surprised at how well the free hair cuts were received, and I cannot thank April and her hair stylists enough for their generosity,” said Sister Diane Bode. “April has such a good heart and in return is very deserving of our support as well.”
Collins opened her salon at the island center just one year ago, but is no stranger to the island.
“I have been living here on the island for over 18 years and this is my way of giving back to a community that has given so much to me,” said Collins. “There have been times when I needed help much like some of those who came for haircuts. It is hard to come up with $15 for a haircut when you are struggling to put food on the table. Whenever I can help people I do, much like so many others here on the island have done for me and my children. Helping people to feel good about themselves in return also helps me feel good.”
The event began at 12:30 p.m. and the salon saw a steady stream of traffic until closing up at 7:30 p.m.
“Even though the only way we got the word out was with flyers, I was amazed at how many came out. The hairdressers are the real heroes here. They worked tirelessly the whole day to get people in and out,” Collins said. “I just knew that from the last time we offered free haircuts and 35 people showed up during the three hours of the event that there is a serious need in our community and once again, not one person who could afford to pay for a haircut turned out to take advantage. It was a wonderful and amazing event.”
Providing the free hair styles were Danielle Snell, Diane Durand, Doug Rearden and Karen Coykendall who traveled to participate in the Give Back to the Community Day all the way from her home in Tennessee. Also assisting Collins during the event were Jennifer Jennings and Sr. Bode.
According to Collins, she and her team of hair stylists are planning to make a similar offer later this summer for children returning to school in the fall.
April’s Island Salon is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday by appointment only.