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Locks of Love is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to gathering donated hair for children's wigs. This group provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children across the U.S. who suffer from long-term medical hair loss. These children receive custom-made and fitted wigs made from donated human hair for free or on a sliding scale based on need. Donated hair must be at least 10 inches long, clean, dry, and bundled into a ponytail or braid. Colored or permed hair is acceptable if it's not chemically damaged. Gray hair is not suitable for children's wigs. Most of the wig requests come from girls, and they want long hair. That's why there is a minimum length. Hair
as long as 14 to 16 inches is ideal. Shorthaired boy's wigs are made from shorter lengths separated from longer ponytails/braids. Wigs for Kids is another nonprofit group that accepts donated hair. This organization also gives hairpieces to children affected by medical hair loss. Their hair donation guidelines are slightly different -- hair must be 12 inches long and must not be permed or color-treated in any way. While chemotherapy is the best-known reason for children's hair loss, it does not cause a permanent loss of hair. After the treatment is over, hair almost
always grows back within three to six months. In contrast, alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin disease, can cause patchy or complete hair loss that lasts for years. The cause of the disease is unknown, and it currently has no cure. Locks of Love notes that most of the children they help have alopecia areata, and the wigs are a great boost to the children's self esteem. Another way to help cancer patients (children and adults alike) is to make soft hats to cover their heads during chemotherapy. Viking Sewing Machines has sponsored events for home sewers to make and donate "comfort caps" for those undergoing cancer treatment.
One mother who lost her daughter to cancer created a web site with free knitting patterns you can use to make soft berets and hats for cancer patients. Sewing.org has a free tutorial on making turbans to wear during chemotherapy. All of these projects require very few materials and are simple enough for beginners to try. Whether you have hair or handicrafts to donate, those in need will appreciate the warm, stylish head coverings and your generosity.
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