Thirty stylists, barbers and cosmetology students converged on Monroe Park on Sunday, Nov. 24, to participate in the fifth annual RVA Feed the City event. Providing more than 25 haircuts to Richmond's homeless and low-income families on a day with below-freezing temperatures is one of the ways Walter White of La'Walta's Hair Designs in Midlothian gives back.
"This is my third year as lead stylist," he said between cuts. "We take small things such as food, heat and clothes for granted. When you work an event like this, you realize you are truly blessed."
Ingrid Riley, stylist and co-owner of The Beauty Bar in Richmond, agrees. "I love to give, so when Walter said he needed stylists, I told him I would help," she says, adding, "I can actually say I saw God's work in Monroe Park that day. This was my first year participating, but it won't be my last."
RVA Feed the City is an annual event that provides non-perishable food-to-go boxes, winter clothing, haircuts, health screenings, employment opportunities and other complimentary services to Richmonders in need. For more information, visit www.rvafeedthecity.com or facebook.com/rvafeedthecity .
Crystal Rivenbark is a Midlothian-based stylist and cosmetology instructor.
