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If working as a hair stylist, the last thought on many people’s minds would be canned goods.

However, with an eye on helping the needy, Jordan Ervin has not hesitated.

In an effort to assist others, Ervin will be collecting canned goods at his business along Maple Street until August 7th, with donations going to the Beacon of Hope Emergency Shelter.

“It’s investing in your city and in your city’s people”, said Ervin, who owns Cutz by Cash. “I’m very big on karma. You get what you give out in the world.”

Ervin, who previously co-founded his own charity group titled Including You Productions, has long sought out philanthropic endeavors, and previously Beacon of Hope utilized when he first moved to Kentucky.

“They’re kind of near and dear to my heart,” he adds. “I just wanted to start a canned food drive…I know that, especially during the summer, kiddos are out of school and stuff like that. I wanted to help where I lived.”

Though not a primary driving force behind Ervin’s decision-making, a secondary benefit is that this allows for an opportunity to provide stellar customer service.

For every two cans brought in to support Beacon of Hope, clients get $1 off their services – which can include manicures and pedicures, facials, and conditioning treatments.

While canned goods such as soups are always welcome, there are a number of additional options that come to mind. Among them, those with “pop tops” that are user-friendly and don’t require a can opener come to mind. Additional needed foods include ravioli, beans, and tuna.

“A lot of times, I feel like when I do canned food drives, there’s a surplus of chicken noodle and tomato soup,” said Ervin. “It’s wonderful…[But] that’s just something to kind of warm your belly up. I want a sandwich or something to go with that.”

To Ervin, the event almost came about by accident.

“It’s just one of those ideas that kind of pops into your head at night,” he said.