The idea of BYOND The Chair wasn’t born in a boardroom—it was born in a barbershop.

For years, founder and celebrity barber Darrl “Dee” Robert Jr. listened to the stories shared from his chair. Stories of joy and success, heartbreak and hardship. One December evening, just after closing up shop for the holidays, Dee received a phone call from distraught father. He had lost his job and couldn’t afford a single Christmas gift for his children. That call hit hard—and planted a seed.

Dee realized that his barber chair had always been more than a place for haircuts. It was a place of connection. A place for healing. A place where hope was exchanged—one conversation at a time. And he knew that hope didn’t have to end after a lining and taper.

In 2021, Dee began working with longtime friend and community leader Lawrence Green through his nonprofit, ONE LIFE ONE FUTURE. Over the years, his initiatives have surprised hundreds of children with Christmas gifts—each one wrapped with care and delivered with love. What began as a single act of compassion quickly grew into a movement to reach children who might otherwise feel forgotten during the holiday.

Today, BYOND The Chair is bringing that same Christmas magic to the kids from the city of Westwego. With the help of volunteers, donors, and local partners, the organization carefully selects, wraps, and delivers gifts that do more than bring joy—they send a message:

You are loved little ones. You matter. Parents, you are not alone.

At BYOND The Chair, Christmas isn’t just a season—it’s a promise. A promise that there are still heroes and sheroes who care deeply about their communities, and who show up to make a difference.

Build Your Outreach, Nurture Your Dreams.