NEW HAVEN, Ind. (WANE) – A barber shop in New Haven is giving back to those who have served our country with free haircuts ahead of Veteran’s Day.

Veterans can head to Anna’s Barber Shop on Broadway Street starting at 8 a.m. Friday for a fresh cut at no cost.

Anna Francen opened her Barber shop five years ago Friday, on Veterans Day in 2019.
Since then, her barbershop has been a place where local veterans can go and always expect a warm welcome.

“I feel that it is one way we can give back to veterans,” said Fancen. “It’s a lot of fun here.”

On Friday, Francen said that more than 50 veterans come through her doors to get their hair cut. Within the walls of Anna’s Barbershop, are endless stories of good times and bad.

“A lot of veterans talk to us cause you are in their space, your cutting their hair, they tell you things that they haven’t talked about in years,” Francen said.

“These girls are great they like to make you feel welcome and enjoy coming in here and the conversations and sometimes there are other people,” said Dave Mckinnon, U.S. Army veteran. “It feels like someone cares about you and wants to help out.”

The shop is also hosting a silent auction and book signing with a goal to raise $1,500 for Shepherd’s House. Organizers said items in the auction include handmade quilts and Vietnam jackets that were donated ahead of time. Gary Bowser, a Cold War veteran and author from Auburn, is signing copies of his second book “Not On My Watch” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The barber shop is accepting donations all day Friday to support veterans.

“It’s such an honor for me to do this,” said Francen.