Giving Back with Friends and Helpers

’Tis the season for giving, and rarely has the need for giving been more important. Thankfully for nearly 600 Angeleno families, there is FriendsandHelpers.org, a nonprofit organization that offers assistance to family members escaping domestic abuse.

Melissa Beyler, founder of Friends and Helpers, and salon owner/celeb stylist Marie Ferro, board member in charge of the beauty section

Recently hundreds of volunteers gathered in L.A. to wrap thousands of Christmas presents, and several beauty brands donated to the cause. OPI, KMS California, Goldwell, Paul Mitchell, Phyto and Malibu C all made generous product donations—much needed, since after food and shelter, beauty products are the most requested item.

Finished beauty gift bags filled with donated products from OPI, KMS California and Goldwell.

Salon owner and celebrity stylist Marie Ferro is closely aligned with the charity and was on hand to help. “We were able to put together thousands of gift bags,” Ferro smiles. “Some go to adopted families, representing over 6,000 people, and many more go to other shelters or charities that haven’t been able to meet their quotas, which sadly is happening more often in these tough economic times.”

Malibu C, Paul Mitchell and Phyto donated baskets for the silent auction.

Ferro especially likes this charity since every single cent goes directly to those who need it most. “Everything is donated; it feels so good to give back!” The organization also adopts families for Mother’s Day and provides back-to-school supplies for children. If you’re interested in donating your time, money or even product, visit FriendsandHelpers.org or MariesHairStudio.com. —Amy Dodds

Beyler's husband, Kevin Ryder of KROQ-FM's "Kevin and Bean Show," helps out along with volunteers from AT&T.