Locks of Love is a not-for-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children 21 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.
Get Involved:
Donate Hair - Donated hair is evaluated for its usefulness according to the following guidelines:
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.
The hair must be clean and dry, placed in a plastic bag, and mailed in a padded envelope to:
Locks of Love
234 Southern Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Make a financial contribution to Locks of Love.
Ways to Volunteer.
Source: Locks of Love
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