Firefighters Sponsor Youth Haircuts at Gum Springs Community Center

Fairfax County firefighters sponsored youth haircuts Tuesday at Gum Springs Community Center. Children from the Alexandria area showed up for free haircuts from local barbers.

Captain William Bailey said he and other firefighters held the same event in Alexandria City at the Charles Houston Recreation Center on Monday where they had about 200 kids participate.

"I grew up in that area and a lot of the firefighters grew up in Alexandria so we really just wanted to give back," he said.

Local business owners and barbers supported the youth haircuts. Bailey said they also gave away clothes during the event on Monday.

"These barbers, a lot of them know us through networking," said Captain Kendall Thompson. "So they always want to give back to the community."

The fire department's Life Safety Educational Team was also at the event to educate local kids about fire safety. Bailey also arranged for Modeen the Clown to paint faces.

Firefighters will sponsor haircuts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Reston Southgate Community Center located 12125 Pinecrest Rd.

The fire department will also give away backpacks and school supply Thursday in Alexandria.