By Renee Hobbs
If you can add 12 inches to your hair length, you can donate it to one of over two million hair loss sufferers in the United States. Wigs For Kids (WFK) is a national nonprofit group that provides wigs to children, with no cost to them or their parents. The value of each wig hair replacement is about $1,800 and the children who receive them can suffer from medical conditions such as chemotherapy, radiation or Alopecia (born without hair).
Jeffrey Paul founded this organization over 30 years ago, when a young family member was diagnosed with Leukemia. Paul said, “I promised her that she would have hair and when you make a promise to a kid, you keep it.”
There are a few ways to participate. You can donate hair to an ambassador salon, which will ship the contents directly to WFK. You can also sponsor a child or donate financially to the group.
There are restrictions if you’re thinking about giving away your hair, including you must have at least 12 inches of hair in a pony tail, and permed or color treated hair will not work.
“Having hair can change a person’s life,” said stylist Laura Craig. The owner of LGC Hair Restoration of Brandon, Craig added, “It can give people the self confidence they need.”
LGC is an ambassador salon for WFK, meaning Craig can take donations year round and is able to help recipients through the whole wig process, “from start to finish,” she said. WFK provides children with everything they need said Craig, who added, “I am always here for them.” Craig said the beginning of the school year brings in a lot of people and continued, “We’re going to be slammed.”
Craig had misty eyes as she talked about one of her clients, a little boy, “Who just wanted hair.” It was very emotional for the family said Craig, who added, “Parents already have enough stress without adding this.” Craig goes on to say that when he emerged with hair, “It was beautiful.” The only listed ambassador salon in this area is LGC and you can reach Craig at 990-9234.
If you are interested in being a recipient or in finding out more about WFK, visit wigsforkids.org.
