Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) – Charleston Collins is no stranger to the City of Syracuse, and neither is his business. Collins moved to Syracuse when he was just two years old and has lived here ever since.
” We came up here when I was two years old, so that was 58 years ago, and I had been working in the barbershop for almost forty years now,” says Collins.
Collins has worked at Collins Barber & Beauty Shop for almost forty years and has become a pillar of the community. While he normally makes his mark on Syracuse by keeping everyone looking their best, he has taken on a new project; helping the young women of Syracuse. Collins has partnered with Rise Above Poverty, a local charity, to make a difference in these girls’ lives and their confidence.
“We just wanted to somehow help the kids, help the young ladies get personal items, deodorant and hygiene products because some people just can’t afford it and we want to help out however we can,” claims Collins.
Collins Barber & Beauty Shop partnered with Rise Above Poverty a few years ago to donate coats, hats, and gloves to those who can’t afford it. He says that this kind of work is something he feels drawn to as a business owner in the area.
“I felt like it was something else we needed to do besides just doing business,” he says.
While this drive has received some donations, Collins asserted that there is never enough. He’s calling on the people of Syracuse to support these girls however they can.
“We haven’t gotten too many donations yet, but we are hoping that people will come down and donate and help the young ladies out.”
The collection drive ends this Saturday February 11. Donations can be brought to 2704 Erie Boulevard E and dropped off between Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Donations of deodorant and feminine hygiene products are greatly appreciated.
