An Iowa barber is helping kids prepare for the upcoming school year in the best way possible.
Last Saturday, Courtney Holmes of Sparks Family Hair Salon gave out free haircuts to kids who agreed to read him a story. The father-of-two told the Telegraph Herald that he just wanted to “support kids reading,” so he set up a booth at Comiskey Park as part of the community’s second annual Back to School Bash.
“The kids would come in, and I would say, ‘Go to the table and get a book you might like, and if you can’t read it, I’ll help you understand and we can read it together,’" Holmes told USA Today. “To be honest, I was amazed. The line started with four kids, and next thing I knew it was like 20 kids, all waiting for a haircut and eager to read.”
According to USA Today, the kids all had different reading levels and ranged from kindergartners to fifth-graders.
Members of the community were surprised by Holmes’ attempt to support kids reading and had plenty of positive things to say. Kathleen Winfrey told Telegraph Herald that it was a hassle-free way to get her nephews to cut their hair. “I love it,” she said. “It's good for our community.”
While Holmes gave out more than 100 haircuts, he still had about 10 kids in line by the time the event ended. As a result, the barber gave the kids vouchers for free cuts at his salon and reminded them to bring a book.
“We don't have books at the salon, so I'm bring books from my house, and people have started sending me free books,” Holmes explained.
After a successful day, the barber said: “I’m looking forward to keeping this going.”
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