Annual Richie’s Barber Shop DVS & Adam’s Angels Drive

Richie’s Barber Shop is having its annual drive to support nonprofit organizations for the holidays, Domestic Violence Solutions, and Adam’s Angels.

Richie’s annual funding started a week early this year. Jessica Jay (Jess), who heads the events at Richie’s, set up a Holiday Gifting Tree decorated with stockings representing each family currently living in temporary housing at DVS. Each stocking had a list of what that family needed. There are a total of 13 families representing 38 people. 

As always, Richie’s generous customers picked up most of the wish lists and brought back the items. In a reciprocal gifting back to the givers, a good friend of Jess’s, Michael Cobb, owner of the High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang, donated a case of wine and swag to be the raffle prize. Everyone who donates gets to be entered in the raffle to win it. Jess shared for our readers, “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our wonderful clients who grace our chairs each year, making our Christmas Drive a heartwarming success. Their enthusiasm to lend a hand is truly inspiring! A special shoutout to Michael Cobb from High Roller Lounge in Solvang for his generous wine donation, which adds a festive touch to our efforts! As a token of our appreciation, all participants will have the chance to win.”

I met with the barber shop team, and DVS Director of Development Tina Ballue and her team of Katie DeMillo and Cristina Caratachea. Tina talked about how this year DVS, which usually starts to fill up with families during the holidays, was actually full in September. This may demonstrate both a greater need for DVS services, and an increasing awareness in the area of DVS’ mission. Jess shared that most of the families on their giving tree were adopted, but that there are still a few more families that need their wish lists adopted for the holidays. Ballue suggested additional donations needed include bath towels, shampoo & conditioner, throw blankets, pillows, twin sheets, body wash, lotion, and socks. To make it easier, go to the DVS Amazon Wish List by visiting their website listed in the 411 here.

Ballue added, “A heartfelt thank you to Richie’s Barber Shop for turning generosity into joy through the Holiday Gifting Tree. At DVS, we provide safe shelter, counseling, and essential resources for families escaping abuse, and this year the need has grown significantly. Seeing community leaders like Richie, his team, and their clients come together fills us with gratitude. Every gift says, ‘You matter, you’re not alone. Together we are making this season brighter for those who need it most.’” 

Also receiving support from the Richie’s fam is Adam’s Angels, represented at the shop by Adam McKaig. He is collecting gently used or new sweaters and jackets for the homeless and veterans in a donation box at the barber shop.

All donations are being accepted through December 24! 

411: https://dvsolutions.org/

Insta: @richiesbarbershopsb