ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Kids in Rochester ages 10 to 17 were given free haircuts Monday night as part of city council member Willie Lightfoot's 40th annual "Cut the Violence" event. Teen gets a haircut as part of Willie Lightfoot's "Cut the Violence" event Monday night. (WROC/Trinity Wilson.) "'Tis the season to be giving, and we're giving back, empowering these young people with love and energy and positive reinforcement and encouragement and inspiration to say that there are people who love you and Merry Christmas," Lightfoot said. The event took place at his "New Creations Unisex Shop." The event was created to remember and honor those lives lost to violence. As we move into the holiday season, Lightfoot said its important neighbors help each other. Baby formula headed to Rochester after settlement "We realize that families are challenged more than ever. The economy, food, everything's going up besides their incomes," Lightfoot began. "For single parents out there that have multiple children, this is a blessing for them. Kids are out of school, they can come back, get their kids here, they can get a gift. Some kids - this is the only gift they may get for Christmas." Some of the toys available during Monday's event. (WROC/Trinity Wilson) The Pirate Toy Fund also teamed up for the event and gave kids free presents.