Richie’s Barber Shop 13th Annual Holiday Tri-Charity Funder

Richie Ramirez and head barber Jessica Jay launched the Barbershop’s 13^th Annual Charity fundraiser for the holidays, on Friday, December 6. The annual charity event was started humbly in 2011 with Richie’s love of kids. He launched first the “Toys for Tots” where he collected three oversized moving boxes of toys for kids that were distributed throughout the Santa Barbara area. Since 2021 with Jessica, they have added adopting pets from the local animal shelter. And last year, they decided to have three charities for holiday donations.

I met everyone at the Barbershop on Coast Village Road to do an annual giving promo photo and quick fact interviews for our readers.

This year, you can again choose from three nonprofits: Domestic Violence Solutions [DVS] providing 24-hour emergency shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence, Adam’s Angels for the homeless, and C.A.R.E.4Paws, which supports pet families with various programs, serving SB County through SLO County since 2009.

Director of Development for DVS, Tina Ballue, would be thankful for donations of gift cards for groceries, movie passes, kids’ toys, puzzles, coloring books, sports gear, and new women’s undergarments, jackets, pillows and blankets. Ballue shares,“Richie’s Barbershop serves as a vital community hub, fostering connections and promoting unity among our community through open dialogue and various initiatives. By creating a welcoming atmosphere, it empowers individuals to support one another and build lasting relationships that enhance the overall vibrancy of the community, and we are deeply grateful for the dedication and generosity of their support.”

Founder of Adam’s Angels in Montecito is Adam McKaig, whose organization helps the homeless. Adam’s Angels needs new jackets for all ages and genders, and blankets. He invites everyone to join in the annual Holiday Luncheon for the homeless on December 22, 12 pm, at the SB Veterans Center.

Talking with the reps for C.A.R.E.4Paws – Marketing & Community Programs Manager Julia Black-Devre, and Board President Chris Harris with Pet Ambassador, Lulu the Pitbull. They explained that for the past 15 years their organization provides for pet families, “pets are for certain family members,” from any economic status – homeless peeps with pets through middle class – who need funds for pet food, pet care and health exams, animal training and more. Their organization has two mobile units and partners with local shelters and organizations to collab on these services to prevent pet homelessness and suffering. Statistically, they are working to reduce shelter intake numbers and euthanasia. 

Ramirez and Jay are happy to do this annual holiday fundraiser and said, “The holiday season is the spirit of love with family, friends and our community. We hope everyone will come out and support our drives. Every donation no matter how big or how small will make a huge impact and create a holiday where there may not have been one. From all of us at Richie’s Barbershop Montecito to all of you, Happy Holidays!”

411: Richie’s Barber Shop, 1187 Coast Village Road
Drop off times: Monday through Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm or call (805) 845-9701