An eclectic group of approximately 80 people, including more than 40 eager youngsters and their families, members of local police K-9 and SWAT units, students from a local barber academy and DPR volunteers, among others, converged on the Milagro Center in Delray Beach, Fla. December 5 for an evening of haircuts and holiday cheer.

The DPR-sponsored event, Milagro Center’s second annual “Haircuts for the Holidays,” offered free haircuts, food, entertainment and other services for at-risk youth and their families who are part of the South Florida-based organization supported by the DPR Foundation.

Luke Stocking, DPR’s liaison for Milagro Center and a member of its Ambassador Board which helps market and fundraise for the nonprofit, said the event drew a packed crowd and generated plenty of excitement. After the children had the chance to spruce up for the holidays with free haircuts donated by the Florida Barber Academy, they could then get their holiday pictures taken with their families free of charge.

The Delray Beach Police SWAT, K-9 and motorcycle units along with the Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department offered demonstrations during the four-hour event, part of an effort by local law enforcement and service providers to build community and share holiday cheer with residents. A free catered dinner from a local restaurant, face painting by and live musical entertainment all added extra special touches to the evening.