LAKE WORTH, Fla.- Locks of Love is a not-for-profit
organization that provides hairpieces to financially
disadvantaged children 18 and younger with medical hair
loss. These custom-fitted hair prosthetics are provided free
of charge or on a sliding scale to children whose families
meet the Locks of Love Board of Directors guidelines.
The organization, which began operation in 1998, strives to
help all financially disadvantaged children who are living
with the daily trials of medical hair loss. Thousands of
bundles of donated hair arrive as a result of the internet
and word of mouth as well as publicity Locks of Love
receives in newspapers, magazines and on television
programs.
Donors provide the hair, volunteers open and sort the
donations, and the manufacturer hand-assembles each
piece, which requires approximately four to six months.
Children comprise over 80 percent of the donors, making
this a charity where children have the opportunity to help
other children.
Locks of Love provides its recipients with a custom,
vacuum-fitted hairpiece made entirely from donated human
hair. The vacuum fit is designed for children who have
experienced a total loss of scalp hair and does not require
the use of tape or glue. Most of the applicants suffer from
an auto-immune condition called alopecia areata, for which
there is no known cause or cure. Others have suffered
severe burns, or endured radiation treatment to the brain
stem, in addition to many other dermatological conditions
that result in permanent hair loss.
The donated hair must be at least 10 inches (preferably
12") in length
It must be bundled in a pony tail or braid
Hair must be free of bleach. Colored hair and permed is
acceptable.
Locally if someone wants to donate to locks of love, stop by
Carrington’s Hair Salon , a long time supporter of the
project. The cut, they will take care of everything including
getting the hair ready and shipped.