IRVING, Texas — A philanthropist is a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.
Oxford's definition is an accurate description of Irving barber Noe Araiza, who owns Noe’s Kustom Kutz. The hundreds of people he’s helped over the years attest to this.
Ever since he opened his first shop 18 years ago, Noe has held an annual event with the aim of giving back to his community in the form of free back-to-school haircuts.
“It’s more than a haircut,” said Araiza. “What we’re doing is showing our community some love and hoping it spreads.”
On the front door of his barber shop, a decal reads, "Closed Sundays," but on Sunday, Aug. 8, Araiza and a group of local barbers he assembled gave more than 120 haircuts to boys in grades pre-K through eighth grade, such as 7-year-old Javier Rodriguez.
Javier was first in line to get a free haircut, which his dad Guillermo said was much needed. As he sat in Noe's chair, Javier shared how he’s been looking forward to the haircut because in less than a week, he’d be returning back to school for the first time since March 2020.
Towards the end of the haircut, Noe finally turned the chair towards the mirror for Javier to see his new look. Javier's eyes lit with approval from having lengthy bangs to a fresh buzz cut. He raised his eyebrows to check himself out and gave Araiza a big smile.
"I like it a lot," said the 7-year-old shyly.
Javier's dad was also happy with the transformation and very appreciative of what he considered a gift from Araiza.
“I feel blessed in the fact that we’re able to be here and get this for free,” said Guillermo. “It helps our family and the community because there are some people who are not able to afford it, because everything that has happened throughout the year. It feels pretty good because it shows that people are out here to help in any way they can. We appreciate it.”
After his haircut, Javier enjoyed music from DFW-based DJ Fuego, tables full of backpacks, another for school supplies, food, firetrucks and fun.
One barber stationed right next to Araiza was his 23-year-old son, Noe Jr., who's been cutting hair for the last two years. Noe Jr. explained that the event is something he looks forward to all year long, and he plans to follow in his dad’s footsteps, someday taking over the shop.
“He’s definitely my inspiration, absolutely,” Noe Jr. said. "You hear that, Dad? You’re my hero.”
This year, the event caught the attention of the Irving Police Department, which partners with One Community USA, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering relationships between first responders and their community. Officer Jon Plunkett, director of the department's Shop Talk program, also has that mission of community outreach and felt Araiza’s event was the perfect opportunity to make that happen. He and a group of his fellow first responders from the police and fire departments were present to meet, chat and take pictures with those who attended.
“It’s safe to say that we will be back next year,” said Plunkett. “We’ll continue to support Noe and his efforts to build a relationship within the community because this is what we do as a police department in Irving. We started Shop Talk to build the trust in the community, and we’re going to continue to do it.”
According to Noe Jr., this event will be around for years to come once he takes over.
“Giving back to the students is something we’ll keep doing, they’re our future,” said Araiza Jr.
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