Elkhart County salons offer discounts to the unemployed

By Megan Baldino (mbaldino@wsbt.com)

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A group of local barbers and hair stylists decided to help the unemployed, by offering them discounted cuts. (WSBT photo)

A group of local barbers and hair stylists decided to help the unemployed, by offering them discounted cuts. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

ELKHART COUNTY — A group of barbers and hair stylists are offering discounted haircuts to the unemployed, even as their own businesses struggle to make ends meet.

Elkhart and all of Elkhart County has Indiana's highest unemployment rate right now, largely because of layoffs in the RV industry.

But now the city with a heart is trying to show some heart.

Les Eads of the Charles E Salon came up with the idea.

"I got this idea and I thought, you know, I might as well get other people in the county so we can do it together," said Eads.

He says it's his way of giving back to a community that has given him so much.

"A lot of people are too proud, so we are just going to make it easy," he said.

Eads said a few cheap haircuts could save someone the money they need for their fuel bill, or maybe just a Christmas present.

"Everyone I called was willing to do it."

Including Robby Drake who owns Rob's Barber Shop in Bristol.

"The economy is bad and people need help. So I did it just to give a helping hand," said Drake.

Also giving a helping hand or two is Julia Herschberger, the owner of Salon J in Goshen.

Herschberger says many of her customers have cut back because they, or their spouse, are out of work.

"Les called to get us involved in what was going on and I thought it sounded great, and I think people will totally appreciate it," she said.

Each owner will decide what the deal is at their business, so they urge customers to call ahead.

Les Eads, says this will be a "no questions asked" discount.

"We are like the first to take the hit, but we are the first glimmer of hope they see."

The following barber shops and salons are offering discounts:

Charles E Salon, Elkhart 574-522-1880
Salon J, Goshen 574-971-5229
Hair Dimensions, Nappanee 574-773-2222
Rob's Barber Shop, Bristol 574-370-1361
Lowell's Barber Shop, Elkhart 574-206-1900

12:33 AM Les Eads wrote ...

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all of the positive response to one small effort to help in any way possible. Some of you gave us a pat on the back,some of you helped with your money. It made me proud of this community to see people pulling together even at a time when their own funds were tightening. I am humbled and blessed with great clients,friends,and a caring people in Elkhart County. God Bless And thanks again. Les Eads

Thursday, Dec 4 at 10:12 PM South Bend resident wrote ...

Let me tell ya about this Les Eads guy. He reminds me of an old time barber. Can discuss most any issue. Always up on current events, sports or politics...Les is a great person and gives a heck of a haircut. Godspeed during these tough time buddy.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 3:42 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Hey Steve-O,how does a big breasted blonde that went to school for IT sound? Whats the job pay?

Thursday, Dec 4 at 12:26 AM Clara wrote ...

This type of thing is just so neat to read!! It's so heartwarming to read about the caring and giving hearts of people who want to help others!! Bless you all!!

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 6:33 PM anonymous wrote ...

Steve O u r a real jerk, thank god the businesses who have agreed to this for thier community isn't employing u or ure fantasy assistant. Shame on you! And God bless to the rest

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 5:25 PM Sharon Carr wrote ...

Why do they need salons at all? I see women all the time doing all kinds of make up and the eye lashes and the lipstick on their pretty faces. If you can do it in a car why bother with salons that take so long to do the hair and the nails another three hours. Besides you have to hear all this gossip about who did what to whom. So many things going on in town that this ladies always complain about how deep the snow is. They cant wear their beautiful shoes with high heels around anymore. Tuphee is

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 4:49 PM Maricia wrote ...

This explains so much! Sunday I was out shopping, when I was accosted for some spare change by a middle aged man coiffed in the most incredible HSM3 do-up I've ever seen. It was breathtaking. I'd only ask that from now on they not use the 'Jemma' hairstyle on men.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 4:22 PM Brittan Bright wrote ...

Les Eads is my father & I am so proud of him for his ability to continue to think of the struggles of other's even when small businesses overall, particularly the salon industry, are having an incredibly tough time in this economy as well. I would say to the negative Steve-O's & scam artists of the world that the golden rule is still very relevant & I think it is a beautiful thing to see a struggling community come together to support their own. Good job Dad!:)

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 3:41 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Will they shave your head if you ask? No styling, just a good old fashion buzz.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 3:34 PM Anonymous wrote ...

bravo, fantastic, wonderful idea. This is a wonderful thing to here when all we here about now a days are all the horrible stuff. thank you and Gob bless you.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 2:21 PM Old School wrote ...

Remember darling, it's better too look good, than too feel good. By the way, you look MARVELOUS!!!!

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 1:13 PM Chuck from Nappanee wrote ...

Les is the man. He has cut my hair for more than 20 years. He is a very caring man,and cares for the people in this community. Thanks for putting this together for all the people who are out of work at this time.God Bless Les!

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 12:44 PM Kojak wrote ...

How do they know for a fact that the customer is indeed unemployed? Are they simply taking their word? I was watching a program the other day on homeless people and it always gets me how they all have some big story like they are former engineers, doctors, lawyers, bankers (yadda yadda yadda) and everybody just believes them.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 12:18 PM Steve-O wrote ...

I rather hire someone that looks dirty and smelly that knows how to use MS office then someone that is pretty and dont even know how to turn on a computer. But for my personal assistant, i would hire the hott girl, no skills needed.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 11:24 AM appearance counts wrote ...

As someone who works in the field of helping others find employment, I can say what salon owners are doing is vital in helping others succeed in finding employment. Confidence is boosted with a fresh put together look and employers notice these things. Steve-O no one is going to hire someone who looks like they haven't showered in 3 years. As for nails- last I checked, Walgreens carries press ons for like $4. You're already getting a cheap hair cut, don't push it! That's not a necessity!

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 10:24 AM Sharon Trumbull wrote ...

I want my hair doo done so well that I want to impress my new boss. I am starting a new job a local bank. I will start as a teller and then I will jump the ladder on to something else. My presentation should be exceptional so all employees will be impressed. Are they doing the nails too? I mean foot and manicure pedicure and all cosmetics thing. I love to be presentable specially when I am entering a new job. You know how nervous one gets when an interview comes up. So I want it to go smoothly.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 9:39 AM Kathy wrote ...

Congrat's on demonstrating how a community pulls together in tough times. Might I suggest to those who can afford it, tip a little extra to help the salon's out so they can continue their fine efforts. (No, I am not a stylist or affiliated with any of the businesses listed above)

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 9:03 AM Sandra wrote ...

I appreciate any help I can get. I got layed off mid part of November. Now I have to stretch my money as far as I can. I haven't done this yet, but when I need to I can go and cut my haircut. I know from experience that a haircut does lift spirits when a person is down. All I can say is a simple thank you for these businesses who put their hearts into this trying time.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 8:56 AM Steve-O wrote ...

I would think a haircut and xmas presents would be the last thing on my mind if i were unemployed. i think paying the mortgage and utilites are far more important right now.

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