Last Monday, Maxim Barbers in Decatur hosted nine Recuperative Care clients at their shop. Six ladies and three men received haircuts, washes, and trims. Steve Siler, President of the Mercy Care Foundation, who goes to Maxim, pioneered the event.

“I started going there because of the beard guy,” Steve said. “But I felt so much kindness there as well. Come to find out Charles and Kathy, the owners of Maxim, experienced homelessness in their lives.”

The idea to ask Charles originated at the Fall Festival when we were caught short handed at the barber tent due to no-shows. When Steve asked Charles if he would be interested in helping at future Mercy Care events, Charles said yes but he wanted to help sooner. This is when he offered to open his shop on Monday when Maxim is normally closed. Charles also arranged for the clients to get backpacks and the foundation provided lunch.

Nicole Smith, volunteer engagement coordinator said, “Charles, his wife Kathy and their team opened their doors and their hearts to our clients. You could feel how excited they were to meet their guests and lift their spirits. It was heart-warming to see a breast cancer patient undergoing chemo get her wish of a smooth bald head. Another who had not had salon wash in over 13 years. And a gentlemen treated to a professional cut, beard trim, and hot towel treatment. Things many take for granted. They now have a goal to do one event a quarter. Next time they want to add nails and other services. Hats off to the Maxim team!”

Charles hopes to give haircuts to clients quarterly moving forward.