Locks of Love receives second gift from one local donor

Beckie Sherman donated 10 inches of hair to Locks of Love, a charity that provides hairpieces to children with hair loss due to medical conditions.

Customers and co-workers at the main United Bank in Blairsville, GA may have noticed Beckie Sherman's new shorter hairstyle. They may not know the story behind it. On August 29th, she donated 10" of her hair to Locks of Love, a charity that provides hairpieces free of charge to financially disadvantaged children with hair loss due to medical conditions.

This is the second time Beckie has contributed 10" of hair growth to this good cause. The first time was 21/2 years ago. Locks of Love provides custom-fitted hair prosthetics. Donors provide the hair, volunteers staff the office, and the manufacturer hand assembles each piece at exact cost. The whole process requires approximately four months. The finished prosthetic is a custom, vacuum-fitted hairpiece made entirely from 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.

Bundles of hair arrive daily at Locks of Love from across the country. Children comprise about 75 percent of the donors, making this a charity where children have the opportunity to help other children. Most donors mail a note and a photo along with their bundle of hair. It takes 12 donated ponytails to manufacture one hairpiece. Beckie contacted Cut Loose Salon in Blairsville, where stylist Gwen Hooper cut her hair, because Cut Loose is one of the local salons that will send off the donation to Locks of Love. Beckie is already growing her hair back so she can donate again to this cause she loves.

If you are interested in donating to Locks of Love, follow these guidelines:

The donated hair must be at least 10 inches (preferably 12") long

It must be bundled in a pony tail or braid

It must be free of hair damaged by chemical processing

It must be clean and dry, placed in a plastic bag and mailed to Locks of Love.

Many local salons will give you a free haircut if you donate to Locks of Love.