Student Jacqueline R .

Journee H . and her mother , Mychelle .

Averie B ., a 1st grader who cut her aunt

Angel Sousa ’ s hair .

Elizabeth S . trusts her mother , Tina S . to shorten her hair .

With a few scissor snips , a gang of generous young students gave something of themselves to help other children feel happier . At a Van Buren elementary , 21 volunteers cut off lengths of their own hair to be made into wigs for other children who have hair loss .

Certain treatments or illnesses cause hair to fall out , partly or completely . While it ’ s good that their illness is being treated , some kids are uncomfortable to suddenly have their appearance changed . They don ’ t like being noticed or asked about it .

“ I wanted to give my hair to kids that have cancer and are afraid to go out in public because they ’ re bald ,” said Emma F ., a third-grader . “ I wanted them to have pretty hair so they ’ ll feel better !”

A natural-looking wig can give a child a big “ head start ” at feeling good . But it takes a lot of hair to make even one ! A non-profit program called Children With Hair Loss collects the donated , 8-inch or longer ponytails and gives wigs to children at no charge . It gave away more than 600 wigs last year .

The patients ’ hair – and the donors ’ – will grow back . Wearing a naturallooking wig for a while can give a child a big “ head start ” at feeling well again . There are other conditions that can leave a person with permanent hair loss who can receive wigs , too .

The youngsters lined up for a chop earlier this year as a part of the school ’ s Kindness

Week at Rena Elementary . School counselor Eryn Wallis has led a snip party every other year at schools and donated hair , herself , even before organizing group events . She first was inspired by a cousin with cancer who had received a wig donation . There were not many ways she could help the cousin she loved .

“ But I can grow hair !” she realized . She also knew that kids would probably like to help other kids . She invited grown-ups and students ’ relatives as well . At her first event , 17 people volunteered . This time , 21 people got a “ chop ,” including students , parents , staff and even the school ’ s resource officer .

The kids chose someone to make the first snip . There were moms and dads and aunts who traded the scissors to give their own hair , too .

Ella Rose M . said she felt “ excited and nervous ” at the haircut assembly in front of the whole school . But she was determined to donate . “ My hair was really long and I just wanted to be generous . I think a lot of people need it more than I do .”

Volunteer hair stylists followed up hair after the “ chop ” to give the donors a fresh new hairstyle . Those with lighter hair also felt lighter spirits .

“ I feel good about it because people say my hair looks really good short !,” said Izzy H ., 5th Grade . She encourages other kids to donate . “ Don ’ t be nervous because it feels really good after you do it .”

If you ’ d like to donate hair or apply for a wig , see childrenwithhairloss . org .

Shay H . with her father , Joseph , the only dad who cut hair that day !

Emma F . and her mother , Destiny .

Ella Rose M . and her mother , Linda .

Kindergarten teacher Shannon McKeown had her hair cut by her niece , Vanessa W ., a 5th grader at Rena Elementary .

Resource Officer Corporal Megan Slayton donated , too !

Cooper M . first grader , cuts his mom ’ s hair . Emily is a Van Buren teacher .

Izzy H . and her mother , Barbee .

www . OfficialKidsMag . com • APRIL 2025 • 5