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WILKES-BARRE — Dan Carey, owner of Carey’s Avenue Barber Shop for the last five years, knows the secret to holiday success.

It’s beer.

That’s why the barber shop’s annual holiday craft beer exchange is such a smashing success. That, and the overwhelming support received from customers and members of the community.

“It’s a great way to say ‘thank you’ to the customers, and give a little back,” said Carey on Sunday, as his shop was transformed into a haven of good cheer and good beer, with friends and family showing out to support the shop — and a great cause, as well.

The money raised by Carey’s efforts is all headed to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), an organization that undoubtedly has resonated with the folks who attended Carey’s exchange on a rainy Sunday evening.

“I’ve had people come in, throw money in the box and they don’t even want any beer,” Carey said.

In addition to the six-pack that serves as a ticket into the craft beer exchange, everyone was invited to toss a dollar or two into the donation box and take a guess at how many times the barber shop aired the ever-popular 1983 film “A Christmas Story” over the holiday season.

This tradition has been going on since before Carey even owned the barber shop, and now it’s become a way to help the AFSP.

“It’s a cause that hits home for a lot of people, especially around this time of year,” Carey said.

The winner of the contest was Derek McManus, who correctly guessed that the shop played “A Christmas Story” 87 times over the holidays. In all, $160 was collected for the AFSP.

The love for the classic Christmas film was evident all around Carey’s shop, with ornaments, decorations and even the infamous leg lamp on display in the front room for customers to see.

In the back, coolers were stocked to the brim with all kinds of craft and some domestic beer, all for the taking. Good spirits and good conversation were shared by all, and everyone offered glowing appraisals of the barber shop — and of Carey.

“I’ve known Dan for 24 years,” said Bob DeFeo, who worked with Carey before he opened up the barbershop. “I think he was meant for this gig.”

This was DeFeo’s first time at the beer exchange.

“Good food, good beer…it’s a good combination,” DeFeo said.

Barber shop owner Dan Carey poses with a bottle of beer that was awarded to the winner of the ‘A Christmas Story’ contest on Sunday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_Carey-1.jpg.optimal.jpgBarber shop owner Dan Carey poses with a bottle of beer that was awarded to the winner of the ‘A Christmas Story’ contest on Sunday. Kevin Carroll | Times Leader
Barber shop hosts brew exchange to support suicide prevention

By Kevin Carroll

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