Haircuts and help: Faith-filled event at Nay Aug Park brings people together

Sarah Hofius Hall, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·2 min read

Jul. 8—SCRANTON — The church has left the building.

It could be found in the hearts of the barbers who provided dozens of haircuts for free, in the spirit of the children dancing to worship songs and in the words of a man who didn't know God five years ago.

"God is capable of anything," said James Hogan, who organized Operation Share the Love, an afternoon of music, haircuts and faith at Nay Aug Park on Saturday. "This event is love, and love is going to spread throughout this whole valley. This is just the start of something really big."

Hogan's life almost ended five years ago, as he found himself homeless and in a hotel room. The 45-year-old entered a Christian-based recovery program and soon made it his mission to help the homeless and others who had fallen on hard times.

The church can also be found along the Lackawanna River on Sunday mornings, when Hogan and other volunteers with his organization Dark2Light deliver hot meals and prayers.

"We spread the love of Jesus wherever we can," Bridie Thomas said.

Dakota Cartier, of Scranton, had just gotten out of prison when he connected with Hogan at a Bible study. Cartier, who is now living in a halfway house, said his faith helps drive his future.

"Everything has just been unfolding," the 25-year-old said. "I'm happy to be part of such a beautiful thing. I see people's faces light up over this."

Worship bands played on the stage, while clippers buzzed at the nearby pavilion. Hogan recruited a dozen barbers and stylists from across the city, who happily closed their shops for the afternoon to provide cuts to those in need.

"Anything I can do to give back, I'm all for it," said Dee Apruzzese, who owns Kind Cutz on Adams Avenue.

About 140 people volunteer with Dark2Light in some way, and many Saturday wore shirts with "The church has left the building" on the back. Hogan wants to continue outreach and connecting people with available resources. He hopes to eventually have a building where people can seek assistance and vans to aid in transportation.

"The goal is to understand we're all great people," Hogan said. "We need to stop judging others. I cannot stand seeing anyone hurt."

Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133; @hofiushallTT on Twitter.