The Kingdom Kutz Community Give Back event was a much-anticipated event in Vista, California. It is a day dedicated to providing children and families with essential resources and services that help them prepare for the upcoming school year. The event is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to support one another.
Held on July 27th, this year’s event was bigger and better than ever, featuring a wide range of partners, including local businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers, who all came together to create an unforgettable experience. Kingdom Kutz, a local barbershop known for its commitment to community service, led the charge by offering free haircuts and a host of other resources for children in need.
**Kingdom Kutz: Hydration Station and Free Haircuts**
At the heart of the event was Kingdom Kutz, which not only provided free haircuts to children but also set up a Hydration Station to keep everyone cool and refreshed throughout the day. The barbers at Kingdom Kutz believe that a fresh haircut can do wonders for a child’s confidence as they prepare to head back to school, and they were thrilled to be able to offer this service to the community.
“A haircut might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in how a child feels about themselves. We’re here to make sure that every child feels confident and ready to tackle the school year.”
The barbers at Kingdom Kutz were joined by students from the Associated Barber College, who volunteered their time to help give as many children as possible a fresh haircut. This partnership with the barber college not only allowed more children to be served but also gave the students valuable hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
**Children’s Paradise: Backpacks, Books, Games, and More**
Children’s Paradise, a local early childhood education provider, was a key partner in the event, offering a variety of resources and activities for children and families. One of their most significant contributions was the distribution of backpacks filled with school supplies. These backpacks were a crucial resource for families who might otherwise struggle to provide their children with the necessary tools for academic success.
In addition to backpacks, Children’s Paradise also handed out books, encouraging children to read and helping to foster a love of learning. The books were a popular item at the event, with children excitedly choosing titles to take home and read.
Children’s Paradise also brought a sense of fun to the event with their Hook a Duck and Fish Bowl Toss games. These carnival-style games were a hit with the kids, who eagerly lined up for a chance to win prizes. The games provided a lighthearted break from the more resource-focused aspects of the event and helped create a festive atmosphere.
The organization’s contributions didn’t stop there. They also provided a paint activity, where children could express their creativity by painting on canvases. This hands-on activity allowed kids to showcase their artistic talents while enjoying the day’s festivities.
Children’s Paradise was also on-site to offer information about their enrollment and recruitment services, helping parents learn more about the early childhood education opportunities available to them. Their presence at the event underscored the importance of early education in setting children up for future success.
**Dreams into Goals: Shoes for Students**
Another key partner at the event was Dreams into Goals, an organization that focuses on helping children achieve their dreams by providing them with the resources they need. At the Kingdom Kutz event, Dreams into Goals provided brand new shoes for children, ensuring that they had proper footwear as they headed back to school.
For many families, the cost of new shoes can be a significant financial burden, and Dreams into Goals’ contribution made a big difference. The children who received new shoes were thrilled, and their parents expressed deep gratitude for the support. The organization’s work exemplified the idea that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on a child’s confidence and self-esteem.
**Health and Wellness: VCC Dental Bus, San Marcos Lions Club, Family Health Center of SD, and More**
Understanding the critical role that health plays in a child’s ability to succeed in school, the Kingdom Kutz event also featured a wide range of health and wellness services. The VCC Dental Bus was on-site, offering free dental checkups for children. Dental health is often overlooked, but it is essential for a child’s overall well-being, and the mobile dental clinic provided valuable care to families who might not have regular access to dental services.
The San Marcos Lions Club provided free vision screenings, helping to identify any potential vision issues that could affect a child’s ability to learn. Vision problems can often go unnoticed, but they can have a significant impact on a child’s academic performance. The Lions Club’s screenings ensured that any issues were caught early, giving children the best chance to succeed in school.
The Family Health Center of San Diego also participated, providing information and resources related to general health and wellness. Their team was on hand to offer advice on staying healthy and ensuring that children were ready for the demands of the school year.
The VCC Parent and Child Health and VCC Outreach Team were also present, offering additional health services and information. From vaccinations to health education, these teams worked to ensure that families had access to the resources they needed to keep their children healthy and thriving.
**Solutions for Change and Las Valientes: Supporting Families in Need**
Solutions for Change, an organization dedicated to helping families overcome homelessness, was another essential partner at the event. They provided resources and information to families facing housing instability, offering a pathway to stability and security. Their work is a vital part of the community’s efforts to support families in need, and their presence at the Kingdom Kutz event was a reminder that no child should have to worry about where they will sleep at night.
Las Valientes, an organization that provides support to victims of domestic violence, was also on hand to offer resources and assistance to families in need. Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on children, and Las Valientes’ work is crucial in helping families escape dangerous situations and rebuild their lives.
**Go Be Rewarded: A Generous Raffle Donation**
Adding an extra layer of excitement to the event was the raffle, which featured a very special prize donated by Go Be Rewarded, a local marketing agency. The company generously donated a computer to be raffled off to one lucky family. For many families, access to technology is a significant barrier to success in school, and this donation helped bridge that gap for the winning family.
The raffle added an element of suspense and excitement to the event, with families eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner. The donation from Go Be Rewarded was a powerful example of how local businesses can step up to support their community in meaningful ways.
**We Cook’n and Archers Coffee: Food and Refreshments**
No community event would be complete without food and refreshments, and the Kingdom Kutz event did not disappoint in this regard. We Cook’n, a local food vendor, provided delicious meals for families to enjoy during the event. The food was a hit with attendees, who appreciated the chance to sit down, eat, and relax after participating in the day’s activities.
Archers Coffee, another local business, set up a lemonade stand that was a popular stop for both children and adults. The cold, refreshing lemonade was the perfect treat on a warm day and added to the festive atmosphere of the event.
**The DJ Booth: Music and Fun**
Music was another key element of the day, with a DJ booth keeping the energy high and the crowd entertained. The music created a lively and fun atmosphere, encouraging families to stay and enjoy the day. Children danced, parents tapped their feet, and the DJ helped keep the spirit of celebration alive throughout the event.
**A Day of Collective Impact**
The Kingdom Kutz Community Give Back event was a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a common cause. By addressing the various needs of students and their families—from haircuts and school supplies to health services and community support—the event created a comprehensive network of care that will benefit the community long after the event is over.
As Donnell Hilliard reflected on the day, they emphasized the importance of continuing to build strong community ties. “This event is just one way we can give back, but it’s also a reminder that we’re all in this together,” they said. “When we support each other, especially our kids, we create a stronger, more resilient community. And that’s something we can all be proud of.”
Looking ahead, the Kingdom Kutz Community Give Back event is poised to continue growing and expanding its reach. With the dedication of partners like Children’s Paradise, Dreams into Goals, and the many other organizations involved, the future looks bright for the students and families of Vista.
The event is more than just a day of giving—it’s a demonstration of what can happen when a community comes together to lift up its most vulnerable members. And for the children who walked away with new haircuts, backpacks with supplies, and a renewed sense of confidence, the impact will be felt for months and years to come.
This Activity was help funded by Central Vista Business Improvement District (CVBID)
https://www.vista.gov/?navid=1988
The activities of the CVBID are overseen by the CVBID Advisory Board , seven business owners appointed by City Council. Administration of the CVBID is overseen by City staff.
