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Benton, IL businesses band together to help the unemployed

By Carly O'Keefe - bio | email

BENTON, IL (KFVS) - Unemployment in Franklin County sits right at 15 percent.  That means a lot of folks are trying to stretch a dollar and some local businesses are trying to help.

Barber Daryl Ice has a lot of loyal customers.  Lately, Ice has noticed some are getting a little shaggy, and he thinks it's because so many folks have lost their jobs and simply can't afford a hair cut.

"Like the people who come in once every three weeks, now they come in every five or six weeks, I think that's why," Ice said.

So Ice had an idea to help his out-of-work customers cut costs.

"I thought, what would be a good way to help the people who've helped me over the years?" said Ice. "I decided to offer half price haircuts for the unemployed."

By shaving down the cost of a cut, Ice hopes his efforts can help those who sit in his chair get back on their feet.

"Matter of fact, I've had people call me on the weekend and say I've got an interview tomorrow, I know you're not open, but I would really appreciate it," Ice said.

Seven other businesses have followed Ice's example.

Benton pro-lube now takes 10 percent off an oil change to help folks who've been laid off get by.

"We have been in a position of unemployment," said Benton Super Lube owner Sharon Hubbard.  "My husband lost his job in 1994, and we had to re-invent ourselves, so we know what it's like to get a pink slip."

Hubbard hopes by giving them a break, she can help the unemployed travel the road to recovery.

"You lose your job you have to do whatever you can so we decided this would be a good thing to help those who by no fault of their own lost their job; and there's a lot of 'em," Hubbard said.

The following Franklin County businesses now offer discounts to the unemployed:

-Benton Super Lube, Benton (10 percent off an oil change)

-Ricky Nix Tire Service, Benton (50 percent off tire repair)

-Vickees Card Shop, Benton (15 percent off storewide)

-True Value Hardware, Benton ($5 off on purchase $20 or more)

-Curves, Benton (free 30-day membership)

-Sue's II & Pee Wee Shop, Benton (15 percent off storewide)

-Olde Towne Barber Shoppe, Benton (50 percent off haircuts)

-Brides 1 stop, West Frankfort (15 percent off all gifts)

You must show proof of unemployment through the Illinois Department of Employment Securities to qualify for discounts.

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