In the ‘Big Heart Department:’ Tompkinsville barber shop’s ‘Back to School’ event turns into giant block party; Brother’s Care hosts annual School Supply Giveaway

By Carol Ann Benanti

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Acts of kindness — no matter how small — can make a big difference in someone’s life — and make the world a better place in which to live.

Just ask the folks at Against Da Grain Barber Shop where Sean White and Angela Russo sit at the helm.

Each year they reprise their roles as hosts to a giant Back to School giveaway event outside their shop located at 206 Bay St. that quickly turns into a block party and becomes quite the neighborhood center of attraction.

A vast array of much-needed, plentiful free school supplies and related items are always on hand — and just in time for the first day of school.

To show appreciation for their community efforts, during the giveaway Sen. Scarcella-Spanton presented a New York State Senate 2023 Empire Award to Sean White and Angela Russo of Against Da Grain for their unwavering commitment to the community and for their generosity of spirit to Staten Island — and beyond.

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