Local barber pays it forward with free haircuts

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) – A Warwick barber, who’s struggling with the pandemic, paid it forward for his community on Saturday.

Matthew Johnson, owner of Matty J’s Barbershop, gave free haircuts from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

He also invited Santa to the event, and kids had the opportunity to sit next to Santa and tell them their Christmas wishes.

Johnson got a gift of his own earlier this week, when an anonymous donor paid off his $400 tab at Walmart, which he racked up buying presents for his kids, so they would have a good Christmas.

Johnson had a tough year with having to close in March, when the pandemic hit; a month after he finally achieved his dream of opening his own barbershop.

ABC 6 News spoke with some of the attendees to Johnson’s event on Saturday; they were all very grateful for the free cuts and holiday cheer.

Johnson planned to make this 2020 pay it forward event an annual tradition.