NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — For the fourth year, free back-to-school haircuts were offered to New Britain elementary students as part of a city-wide event. Inside Chamberlain Elementary’s gym, Ricky Leupold, the owner of the Lost Art Barber Shop in Newington, set up shop. Leupold and his team offered their time and talents to give free cuts to any male student at Chamberlain.
“I do this because the first step in 'unity' is 'community.' I grew up in New Britain. New Britain molded me, so being here is just a way of giving back," Leupold said.
Leopold has plenty of ties to Chamberlain Elementary. He was a student there, and his wife, Rachel, teaches kindergarten there.
"If we can influence a kid in the right way, it goes a long way. You know, they are going to be the leaders one day," Leupold explained.
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The team from The Lost Art Barber Shop was just one of four studios that made time to offer free haircuts for the kids.
“The cost of living nowadays is going up and if we can help take that burden of a new haircut off of the families, we are happy to do that," said Rachel Leupold.
After getting a fresh cut, 8-year-old Jayden Quinones wanted to thank the team from Lost Art Barber Shop.
New Britain Public Schools estimated that perhaps 100 boys came in for haircuts at three locations across the city. School begins in New Britain on August 26th.
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Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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