WORCESTER, Mass. - MVP's Barbershop in Worcester took the opportunity to give back during the holidays on Sunday, holding a toy drive and offering free haircuts for kids.

The barbershop had been collecting toys and gift card donations for the past few weeks, and the event also featured free food and music.

For co-owner Jose Sierra, helping out his community on Grafton Hill is a personal cause. He said he's been in a wheelchair for nearly three decades due to gun violence, and understands what life can be like for people who are struggling.

“I come from a background where we dealt with a lack of opportunities and options, so as I became a barber transitioning into being a paraplegic, I know the struggle, I understand coming from somewhere where there’s not many options,” Sierra said. “I know what it’s like to be on the other side of things, being a youth and our parents struggling."

Prior to the pandemic, Sierra and MVP's Barbershop used to host a youth mentorship program for kids, and he was excited to continue the shop's tradition of giving back to the next generation at Sunday's event.

"This to me is full circle," Sierra said. "Growing up, I didn’t have those resources, so I love to use my platform to be able to provide opportunity and just make people feel good at a certain level where it doesn’t cost anything but time.”