By Greg Ellison

Outdoor trim event Aug. 29 solicits support with club’s traditional efforts on pause

(Aug. 20, 2020) Seeking creative means to raise money during the covid-19 pandemic, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City is working with Charity Dudley of Mobile Hair Services to provide open-air haircuts next Saturday with all proceeds to support community projects.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City President Steve Cohen volunteered to convert the covered porch at his residence at 98 Ocean Parkway for the hair-trimming event on Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We came up with the idea as a fundraiser because all the fundraisers we had we can’t do for obvious reasons,” he said.

Haircuts cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for ages 12 and younger, payable by check to the Kiwanis Club. Cash payments will not be accepted.

“There’s no hair coloring, just straight cuts,” he said. “There’s no shampooing or anything like that.”

Cohen said tips could be paid separately to Dudley, who can be contacted at 410-533-3788 to schedule an appointment. Masks are mandatory.

“Apparently she can cut around the masks,” he said.

For her part, Dudley, who launched mobile beauty salon services five years ago in the region, was quick to lend assistance when contacted by Kiwanis members.

“It’s making me feel like I’m giving back to basically the community that I’m working for,” she said.

With more than a quarter century working the shears in salons, Dudley began offering house calls for the elderly or disabled after helping a close relative in need.

“I started this because I took care of my mother when she was sick,” she said.

Dudley said helping her terminally ill parent maintain appearances illustrated the difficulty for caretakers to provide services for patients unable to travel due to health conditions.

“They need other people other than the ones that are aiding them because they’re not leaving their homes or meeting new people,” she said.

Recognizing an unmet need existed, Dudley began offering mobile services part time, which became a full-time affair in short order.

“I’ve been able to cut people’s hair while they’re bed ridden,” she said. “If they’re smiling when I leave I’ve done my job right.”

Dudley said even those not needing hair attention are welcome to stop by during the event next Saturday and make a donation to support the Kiwanis Club.

Also, clients seeking beauty services beyond a basic trim, including manicures and pedicures, can inquire about scheduling a future home visit

“As long as they’ve got running water I’m good to go and bring everything else,” she said. “If they want that service we can make an appointment and I can talk to them at another time.”

Further information is available online at kiwanisofopoc.org or by visiting the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City Facebook page. To schedule hair appointments for Aug. 29 contact Dudley prior to the event at 410-533-3788.