A cut above

AZLE — Kingdom Kutz Barbershop helped kids get a good start to their school year by giving away fee haircuts, backpacks and school supplies to local kids. The business’s owner Brad Vaughn said he and his staff gives away free haircuts at the beginning of back-to-school season each year, but this was the first time they also gave away supplies.

“We had clients give us money to get school supplies or we had them drop off these school supplies,” Vaughn said. “It's just a way for us to help the community out there.”

Vaughn said that by helping kids look a cut above the rest on their first day, the barber helps boost self-esteem. Vaughn predicted that they would probably give away 50 haircuts by the end of the day. Staff came in on their day off Monday, Aug. 12, to cut hair and help parents cut costs.

“It’s just something I've done to get back to community,” Vaughn said. “You know, I've always said, be the light and the darkness. There’s a lot of people struggling right now. Any way we can help, we're, we're here to do that, so I'm glad to.”

Kingdom Kutz barber Dustin Morrow said this effort was a part of living up to the business’s name. He credited his coworker Dawn Odom for being instrumental in organizing the supply drive. Parents who brought their kids into Kingdom Kutz that day were appreciative of the shop.

“I heard about it on Facebook,” Chelsie Hamm, a Springtown mom, said. “I’m very grateful. You know with the economy the way it is it's going to help out a lot. He's going to go in with more self-confidence. You know, looking better.”

Azle resident Hal Baslee brought his grandson to get a free haircut and spoke highly of Kingdom Kutz’ efforts, saying the staff and owner were “the most awesome incredible people I’ve ever seen.”

Kingdom Kutz is located at 12258 S Farm to Market Rd 730 in Azle. It is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is also open on Friday, but closes an hour early at 5 p.m. and is open Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment call (817) 994-7614.