MARION – Children wanting to look their best for Santa and the holiday season were given the opportunity Monday when law enforcement and a barber and beauty shop’s staff turned town hall into a temporary hair salon.

    Marion Police Department and Rick B’s “Total Upscale” Barber and Beauty Shop joined forces to offer free haircuts to children, just in time for Christmas. An estimated 50 youth – ages 1 to teen, and from as far away Porterville – stopped by town hall for a haircut, as well as to enjoy refreshments and receive a goodie bag provided by organizers.

    It was, according to Marion Police Chief Randall Davis, a way of giving back to the community.

    “This is something we wanted to do because we are in troubled times, and a lot of people are having a hard time right now,” Davis said. “We wanted to let them know we are out there for them, and we wanted to do something to help.”

    Dermaine (D.J.) Johnson, a barber for Total Upscale, said the staff always tries to do things to give back to the community, and this was one of those ways to help.

    “We just wanted to do something for the kids for free,” Johnson said. “We wanted to be a part of helping out families this time of year, and this is something we could do.”

    Pierre and Izaiah Benthall’s grandmother was touched by the joint venture of the barbershop and police department.

    “Times are hard,” the boys’ grandmother said. “It’s nice to know people still care by giving back to the children in this way.”

    Salon stylist Latoria Moore said the smiles on the children’s faces – and parents – made it all worthwhile.

    “When those children got out of the chair with their fresh haircut, you should have seen their faces with those sweet smiles,” Moore said. “We know sometimes people can’t afford it, especially this time of year. And the least we could do was to contribute in this way.”

    Marion alderman Lisa Lindley said the activity made her proud and demonstrated what the town of Marion is about.

    “I commend Chief Davis and his staff for organizing this; they have been wonderful,” Lindley said. “We are blessed we can provide this service for the children. I know the parents are thankful. and it’s nice for them to look all sweet, and fresh for Santa Claus.”