Locks of Love Cut-a-thon

LOCKS OF LOVE PROJECT

Honolulu Community College.

On Sunday, November 23, 2008, students in the Cosmetology courses (COSM 31L, 41L, and 50V) will do a service learning project to support the cause of Locks of Love, a non-profit organization which provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children 18 years and younger with medical hair loss. Most of the children suffer from an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata, which in most cases, causes permanent hair loss. Other victims suffer hair loss from skin disorders, severe burns and cancer radiation treatments. The students, under the supervision of their instructors, will seek donations of hair (10” or longer) and will cut the donor’s hair for free. The donated hair will be used to make high quality hair prosthetics, which are given to children free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need. The goal is to help in restoring a sense of normalcy and confidence in the children.

The hair will be cut, labeled and placed in a zip lock bag before being sent, and all hair donations will be acknowledged by Locks of Love. Guidelines for acceptable hair donations are colored and permed hair, curly hair (when pulled straight, measures 10”), hair that’s been cut years ago stored in a ponytail or braid. Not accepted is bleached (usually called highlighted) hair, dreadlocks, wigs, falls, or hairpieces.

The students will also hold a rummage sale, with 50% of the proceeds going to Locks of Love and 50% supplementing the Cosmetology Club to support community services such as this, or other events and educational activities. At the end of the day, arrangements have been made with the H-5 project (Hawaii Helping the Hungry Have Hope) to pick up the unsold items for their clients in need.

The Locks of Love event will take place on November 23, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, at HCC, Bldg. 27, fronting Dillingham where it meets Alakawa St. If you would like to make a donation and not able to make it on that day, please call us to make an appointment for your donation. For more information or to find out how else you can help, call the Cosmetology Department at 845-9132.

Event Sponsor
Cosmetology, Honolulu Campus

More Information
Jessica Kaniho, 845-9132, jessicak@hcc.hawaii.edu