Local business owners share toys, haircuts and smiles

The holiday spirit was in full swing in downtown Merced on Saturday when a group of local business owners joined forces to put on the third annual Cheerful Giving event.

Free haircuts, food and toys drew crowds of people to Main Street. Organizers explained the event is meant to promote love and simply a merry time.

Barber Tany Vega, of The Shop, envisioned such a festivity a few years back. With the help of several business owners and friends, Cheerful Giving became a reality.

Other Main Street barber shops, including Joey O’s, Headquarterz and Valley Cutz, helped out. Vega estimates that together, they would give about 300 free haircuts at the end of the day.

“It’s a community effort,” he said. “We give what we can.”

The Marines’ Toys for Tots, Brightdart Print and Design, and several other businesses handed out toys and bicycles. Organizers estimate 80 bikes were given out and about 600 toys were distributed.

Yader Zeledon, owner of Headquarterz Barber Shop, said his favorite thing about giving back to his community is seeing the smiles that pop up on the faces of children when they win prizes.

“It’s all about the happiness of the kids, especially those whose families can’t afford new toys or bikes,” he said. “I’ve got kids, and I love being able to make them smile.”

Elayna Avila, 10, was one of Saturday’s lucky winners. She and her sister won bicycles after participating in a dance competition to Silento’s trending “Watch Me” song.

“I’m really, really happy,” Avila said as she picked out her new ride. “I’m about to cry.” She practices her dance moves at home, she said, and was glad the practice had paid off.

About 300 Chipotle burritos were also passed out, and Mickey and Minnie made an appearance.

Vega said the best part of the event is that families can have a good time without having to spend a penny.

“All of this, I think it shows how much we truly care about Merced,” he said.

This story was originally published December 13, 2015 at 3:08 PM with the headline "Local business owners share toys, haircuts and smiles."