Roosevelt School Collects Hair for Locks of Love

The gymnasium at Roosevelt Elementary School was transformed into a hair salon on Monday, as dozens of people lined up to have their long tresses chopped off and donated to charity.

The school hosted a hair cutting event to benefit Locks of Love and Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program, both of which collect lengths of hair between eight and 10 inches and use them to make wigs for cancer patients.

Coordinator Lucy Guanume said about 60 appointments were made by students and parents to have their hair cut by several stylists from area salons who were donating their time and skills.

Guanume said Locks of Love accepts hair that is 10 inches and above, while Pantene took slightly shorter lengths of hair, eight to nine inches.

In addition to the volunteer stylists, Guanume said 35 to 40 teachers agreed to volunteer their time, directing people, collecting hair, and assisting the stylists.

Speech therapist Jill Richelson said about double the amount of signups actually showed up, when walk-ins were added in.

It was the fourth time the district has held a hair cutting event for charity, with events also being held at Lord Stirling Community School, she said.

In addition to helping with the event, Richelson said she also planned to cut her hair and donate it.