NewsChannel 3 and our community partner Southern Bank are shining the spotlight on a local group giving free back-to-school haircuts to kids.
But it's about more than looking good. One of the organizers got very emotional telling us why this is so important.
Terry Riddick and his brother go across Hampton Roads giving free cuts in urban communities and once they get kids in their chairs, they use that opportunity to mentor them, challenging them to make the right choices which he says is his primary goal.
“The violence has to stop in our community. That's our whole mission,” says Riddick.
Over the years, Riddick figures they've done about 4,000 free haircuts. Besides his anti-violence speech, he knows this boosts their self-esteem. But what does he get out of it?
“Just to see the smiles on their faces-- that just warms my heart. And that's it, that's it. We don't look for anything. We just do it because it has to be done,” says Riddick.
This is why NewsChannel 3 wanted to present him with a People Taking Action Award.
The recognition caused him to get a little emotional.
It made him think about those who made a difference during his childhood.
“I see this is touching your heart. Why is that?” asked NewsChannel 3's Kurt Williams.
“Because there was somebody there for me. There was somebody to teach me to stay out of trouble,” says Riddick.
NewsChannel 3 also presented Riddick with a $100 Visa gift card.
