South Florida barbershops offer kids free books, free haircuts

Chop Shop trades cuts for books

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – At the Miami Gardens barbershop Top Cuttaz, sixth grader Reggie Hayward was getting his hair shaped up Wednesday for the upcoming school year.

"I don't want to look like a hot mess," Hayward said.

Also available to the young man was a new book in the store's lending library, where owner Michael Stephens is committed to not letting young minds fade over the summer break.

"With the state of how things are in the community, you have to keep the young people engaged. Reading is important," Stephens said.

Top Cuttaz takes part in the city of Miami Gardens "Reading with Style" program. Young people can borrow books and after reading them submit a report and get free or discounted service.

In Wynwood, Chop Shop Barber Shop is hosting a Buzz-a-thon on Sunday.

They will open for 12 hours and the money taken for haircuts throughout the day will be donated to give kids in need free haircuts.

Owner Amir Yousseff came up with the idea to allow people to give back while still doing something for themselves.

"These kids are judged on their appearance. When they look better, they feel better and they do better," he said.

The Buzz-a-Thon takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday at the Chop Shop, 2214 N. Miami Ave.