It’s that time of year where people gear up to serve the less fortunate. Food drives are in full force, toys for tots are being collected, basket giveaways are scheduled but who collects Air Jordans and Nikes to give away? Only Calvin “Tito” Hudson would do that!
Classic Cuts Barbershop, 1445 W. Alexander Road, Suite 105 in North Las Vegas, is proud to present its first Sneakers for Christmas Program, where the team at the shop will be collecting wrapped or unwrapped sneakers for men, women and children now through December 19, 2009, Tuesday – Saturday, during the shop’s normal business hours.
“They don’t have to be name brand,” Hudson said. “But they have to be new.”
Hudson is looking to collect more than 200 pairs of Jordans and other sneakers to give to families during this tough economic season. “We’ve been doing toy drives since we’ve been open,” he explained.
“Perhaps more than ever before, particularly as the holidays approach, families are charged with defining ‘the wants versus the needs.’ Many have experienced layoffs, foreclosures and the like, and the promise of toys and electronics have been replaced with food, shelter and clothing,” Hudson added.
“We cater to a lot of young jocks (athletes) and they always wear top brand sneakers. Why shouldn’t other kids get a chance to wear those as well? I see these families struggling to try to make it and paying extra money for the best shoe may not be priority, but it is critical to these kids when they’re at school. You have no idea,” said Hudson, a father to a 14-year-old.
The shop owner will offer clients who donate shoes up to $40 in coupons for free services. Moreover, the shop will be holding contests throughout the holiday season for client appreciation. Hudson said the challenge is still out on the most number of baskets made in a row. “Berry still holds the record with 47,” he boasted. “Anyone who can break that record will receive one year in free haircuts and if you can hit 100, we’ll give you two years worth of free haircuts.”
Is there anybody in Vegas with skills?
Classic Cuts Barber Shop – King of Cuts has got to be the poster child for cutting edge ideas. One stop in their spot – no their basketball court – and you are amazed at the décor. There are bleachers, a full-court gymnasium, basketballs bouncing back and forth, four flat screen televisions playing full-blown sports shows, and constant debates about the best dunk last week; you have to wonder if you’re in a gym or at the barber shop.
But when you see the highly skilled staff of men dressed in the traditional NBA colored jerseys cutting, edging, arching, sculpting, fading and creating master designs, it’s clear you’re in the right place.
Conquering the corner of Alexander and Martin Luther King Boulevard in North Las Vegas for the last three years, Classic Cuts has made a huge dent in the community with its commitment toward the youth of Las Vegas.
Earlier this year in May, Hudson and the crew came off the bench with the Remix Classic Games stacked with a three-point shooting contest, a slam dunk contest, playoff games between the best ballers in the city, steppers, cheerleaders, a master disc jockey, several vendors and celebrity appearances from music idols and media personalities. The event was a huge success and youth throughout the city flocked to Canyon Springs High School to be a part of the event.
“Our goal is to give back to the community and be a part of what these young people want to do in this city,” said Hudson, a Louisiana native, who volunteers to cut hair on Mondays at the boys and girls club. “Where I come from it’s about community; you have to step up to the plate and do your part.”
Hudson explained that although he seeks to obtain sponsors and partners when planning efforts like the Sneakers for Christmas, many corporations and businesses frown on the idea because they see him as a mom and pop barbershop. “They don’t take me serious until they come to the shop and see who we are,” he said. “But we can’t let that stop us, with or without sponsors, we still have a responsibility to the community.”
Between spending time with his new wife Sharon and planning his next great venture – another shop with a football stadium theme in Louisiana in 2010 – Hudson is working with the staff to plan their Annual Bike Drive scheduled for April 2010. “We plan to launch our new magazine, do our bike drive and ride through the community at the end of the event,” Hudson said.
With all that the shop has done, many have been impressed. The efforts of the business have been recognized by the Valley Opportunity Center, Channel 8 News, Telemundo and others.
But if you’re looking to do your part in the community or to support the shop, stop at a local store and pick up a nice pair of Nikes – any size will do – and drop them off under the ten foot tree. You never know when you will have to walk in those shoes!
Tis the Season for Giving
Location Inside the Binky Center
Last day to bring in Sneakers: December 19th, 2009
For more info: 702-273-1980
