Hundreds get free haircuts, hot dogs and more in Ferguson

9 hours ago • By

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FERGUSON • Tiahesia Palmer was checking out some of the free services, but her son wanted a haircut.

So the Ferguson resident signed up Isiah, 7, to get his head shaved at the haircut tent at Saturday’s “Day of Hope.” He took off his ballcap and sat silently while a woman with the Elaine Steven Beauty College cleaned up around his ears.

Palmer smiled. Wearing an “I-heart-FERG” T-shirt, she was happy that her community had attracted the event.

Hundreds attended the festivities at Forestwood Park in Ferguson to receive free goods and services. The city and about 40 local churches, other agencies and Convoy of Hope, a Springfield, Mo.-based organization, coordinated the event.

About 600 volunteers signed up to help. They distributed more than 1,000 pairs of shoes, 5,000 bags of groceries and 10,000 bottles of water. Peppy volunteers said, “Good morning,” and asked, “How are you?” as part of an effort to offer residents a stress-free day.

The family-friendly event follows a year of stress in Ferguson, following the fatal shooting Aug. 9 of Michael Brown Jr. by a police officer. Protesters continue to call for the resignation of Mayor James Knowles III after a recall effort failed in June. A new interim police chief was announced last week, after the city’s chief resigned in March in the wake of a scathing report by the Department of Justice.

With red-and-white striped tents, Saturday’s event had a carnival-like atmosphere. Music played while kids jumped in a bounce house and threw balls at jugs.

Attendees were treated to a variety of complimentary services, including giveaways, health screenings and job services. There was even a free lunch: hot dogs with pepper jack cheese, chips and a drink.

The event was scheduled to last about four hours, but participants lined up over an hour before the start time. Convoy of Hope holds similar events throughout the country, and organizers sometimes see people camping out the night before opening.

Following Brown’s death, leaders in Ferguson came together last winter to organize the Day of Hope. Usually the process takes nine months, but organizers got it done in seven. The event aimed to promote good news in Ferguson.

Area churches spread the word. Bishop Larry Jones of Greater Grace Church in Ferguson was one of the lead organizers. He was impressed with the turnout Saturday. “Everyone seems to be happy,” Jones said.

Near the lunch distribution area, Doug and Cindy Vogelsang sat in folding chairs and talked about why they came. They said they both needed help with stress and their financial situations.

Overall, they seemed to enjoy Saturday’s event, which they felt was needed for the area. The couple from Ferguson proudly showed off a “We must stop killing each other” sign. They planned to stake it in their lawn when they got home.

“We need more of these in North County,” Cindy Vogelsang said.