Free 'Santa Cuts' For Kids And Teens In December

PORTLAND, OR — The Salvation Army is teaming up once again with Vancouver-based nonprofit Hands of Favor to help give kids a fresh new look for Christmas.

"Santa Cuts" provides kids and teens (0 to 18 years old) a free haircut at The Salvation Army Moore Street Community & Worship Center, 5325 N. Williams Ave. in Portland, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. The event is first-come-first-serve, but Salvation Army officials said they hope to provide at least 75 haircuts.

"The transformation that happens in a stylist's chair is amazing," Salvation Army Corps Officer Capt. Marcos Marquez said in a statement. "It's not only a physical change, it's an internal change. It brings confidence and joy to kids, many of whom have never had a real hair cut before. We are so thankful for Hands of Favor for making this possible for these kids and their families."

With so many families struggling to provide basic necessities, the Salvation Army and Hands of Favor hope to relieve some economic pressure by providing something as simple yet uplifting as a haircut, Salvation Army spokesman Capt. Jared Arnold said.

Along with haircuts, families will also receive free hair care products as well as hair care education — and Santa Claus himself may even make an appearance, Arnold said.

Each year Hands of Favor offers this special Christmastime charity, they estimate providing more than $1,500 in free services and goods — all contributed by local philanthropic hair stylists.

Image via The Salvation Army Portland Metro