‘Without them, there is no me’: Athens barber hosts annual back-to-school giveaway

ATHENS, Ala. ( WHNT ) — With students in Limestone County returning to the classroom this week, a local barber is helping them make a successful start to the new school year.

On Sunday, students received free haircuts, school supplies and fresh kicks as part of Tito Redus’ annual back-to-school giveaway, which people say has been a big help for less fortunate families in the Athens community for almost two decades.

Giving back through the initiative has become a staple for Redus Barber shop, with non-profit organizations and churches teaming up to help bring it all together.

Redus, who founded the barbershop, says he knows some families struggle to make ends meet. That’s why he began taking it upon himself 15 years ago to put on the event to support others.

“If it wasn’t for the community, I wouldn’t be here, so there’s no reason for me not to give back to the community because they’re the ones that helped me grow, and without them, there is no me,” Redus told News 19. “It’s a blessing. It’s something that God would want us to do.”

Children took the chairs for free haircuts, which was a large part of the event, but that wasn’t all. The multi-layered outing also featured a scholarship presentation, free food and much more.

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Parents like Mika Ellis say they rely on the event to help get their children through the beginning of the school year.

“I’m a single parent, and it helps me out every year to give my kids something, and each year he adds something on,” Ellis said. “It helps a lot of parents out here that need it. Everybody needs a little help sometimes. It makes my heart happy.”

Redus says the yearly tradition wouldn’t be possible without the many organizations and churches that provide support.

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