When he’s not cutting hair at the 180V Barber Salon, Joey Thomas is helping families cutting it close to make ends meet.
Thomas and the Know Joey Foundation hope to collect 2,000 turkeys, along with non-perishables, canned goods, toiletries, and more for those in need.
“Anything just to make Thanksgiving possible for individuals,” Thomas told 41 Action News.
There’s also a staffing company on hand to help people find jobs at the American Jazz Museum in the 18th and Vine District. It’s part of the Know Joey Foundation’s 11th Annual Turkey Tuesday Drive.
“I’m a product of Kansas City, Missouri School District, I love Kansas City,” Thomas said. “I see where Kansas City is going.”
Thomas also sees that the need expands across state lines.
That makes for a friendly competition with Clipping 2 Please Barber Shop in Kansas City, Kansas.
Barber Eric Williams is also accepting donations for 24 hours at his shop.
“Just being a blessing, trying to give back.”
Thomas is convinced more donations will come from Missouri during the contest.
“180V Barber Salon made a challenge out to Clipping 2 Please Barber Salon over in Kansas. For the last five years, they’ve been trying to keep up with us, but all they’ve been eating is dust. And I guess they might eat some turkeys every once in a while,” he said.
Williams is determined to snap the streak.
“That’s what he says, but I’m trying to get him this year,” he said. “I put out some big stops.”
Someone has to lose the friendly competition, but the real winners are recipients across the KC metro. The efforts in 2016 helped feed thousands of families during the holidays. The goal is to help even more in 2017.
“Some of us are blessed to have more things than others, so we just ask that people help and share with our communities,” Williams told 41 Action News.
You can donate on either side of the state line. The drive goes from 8 a.m. on November 21 to 8 a.m. on November 22. In Missouri, drop by the American Jazz Museum in the 18th and Vine District. In Kansas, you can donate at Clipping 2 Please Barber Shop: 3211 State Avenue in KCK.
If you can’t drop off a turkey or non-perishable item, you can always make a monetary donation. Click here to donate and to learn more about the Know Joey Foundation.
