The aid that David Guerin and his daughter Shannon Guerin Van Deusen are bringing to a small Mexican community is a little unusual in its emphasis. Not, however, in its importance.

Guerin, who owns and operates The Cutting Room Salon in Albany, and Van Deusen will join 10 other hair dressers from throughout the Northwest on a week-long trip to Vincente Guerrero, Mexico, providing material and their expertise.

"It's not even on the map," said Guerin.

Sparked by an item he saw in a trade publication earlier this year, he contacted a small group called Hairdressers On A Mission out of Olympia, Wash.

"I was intrigued by their website," he said.

The group, which formed in 2001, has been traveling to migrant camps, poor neighborhoods and orphanages in the United States and Mexico offering haircuts and hair xcare to people of all ages. It adopted the Cannon Instituto, a small beauty school, in Vincente Guerrero on the Baja Peninsula. There, in no small part thanks to Guerin, it will provide equipment, product and instruction.

A nationally known instructor for Oster Professional products, Guerin got involved through e-mails.

"They couldn't believe I would look at the website let alone be interested in helping," he said.

He has taken a leadership role for the group, recruiting other professionals and companies to supply product and expertise. Scruples Hair Care Products and L'Oreal are among the national companies now on board.

Scheduled to meet in San Diego on Nov. 1, the group will take a van loaded with product and equipment to Mexico and the 160-mile trip to Vincente Guerrero.

On the way the group will stop at Gabriel House, an orphanage near the city.

"There is an infestation of head lice," said Van Deusen. "We'll give haircuts, clean and sanitize, and teach them about hair care."

Guerin said they hope to bring medical supplies and also help with minor construction during the stop.

"We'll bring fun stuff too, like skateboards, games and books," said Van Deusen.

The beauty school, run by a single mother and her children, will get a big boost according to Guerin.

"They have almost no product or equipment. They cut hair with regular scissors like you get at a drugstore," he said.

Thanks to Guerin's persuasive efforts that problem will be solved. Oster is donating 36 pairs of clippers, trimmers and shears plus combs and brushes.

Oster, Scruples and L'Oreal will supply safety, and sanitation products, shampoos, conditioners and hair coloring.

"Once this industry knows about a problem like this it's quick to get on board," said Guerin.

Plumbing and building repairs will be part of the visit. And volunteers will teach. Everyone will instruct their forte according to Guerin.

Most students are in their 20s and the school provides an opportunity and a chance to make a living at home according to Van Deusen.

"They want to better themselves. We can help them achieve that," she said.

Guerin said the group is accepting donations which can be sent to Guerin's salon at 838 Pacific Blvd., Albany, OR 97321. Additional information is available by calling 928-3937 or 926-3548.

The Cutting Room has been in Albany since 1979 and at its new location on Pacific for a year. The family operation includes Guerin, wife Rhonda, and daughters Shannon and Dawn.