ETHAN ADAMS

news@vanzandtnews.com A local five-year-old received her first haircut Aug. 14, and it was a little more special than the average back to school trim. Claire Cockreham of Canton, who started kindergarten recently, had been growing out her hair since she was born with the intention to donate to Locks of Love.

Locks of Love is a well-renowned charity that provides custom-made hair prosthetics to children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions. The organization uses hair donations, just like the one Claire made, to help children in need.

For the Cockrehams, donating hair is a budding family tradition that dates back two generations.

“When my mom was a kid in Pennsylvania, she donated her hair. Then, when I was around Claire’s age, I decided to donate my hair for the first time,” Claire’s mom, Jo, said. “Kind of like what we’re doing now, the local newspaper came out and did an article, and there were multiple hair donation events following it. It is just a fun and free way to give back.”

“It is important to the fabric of our family to give back whenever possible and help those in need. This is an easy way for any person to do that will bring glory to God.”

While excited to continue a family tradition, Claire is also eager to help those who need it.

“I feel good [about donating my hair]. I really want to help the kids that need it and make them feel better.” Claire said.

Five years without cutting your hair is a tedious commitment, and Jo did warn about the maintenance needed to properly care for Claire’s hair.

“[The maintenance] was like having another child,” Jo quipped. “We brush it every morning and every night, and we almost always keep it braided to make it easier. Claire does a good job herself at taking care of it as well, so it’s a group effort.”

“I’m excited because this is my first haircut,” Claire noted. When her dad asked her if she was excited about not having to brush her hair as often, she smiled and nodded in agreement.

However, the family urges anyone who has the means, to donate what they can to the organization.

“There’s really no reason not to donate your hair,” said Jo. “We wanted to use this interview as a catalyst to get other people to join in donating. It’s such an easy process, and it is completely free of charge. In turn, you are helping kids with cancer or other medical conditions. There is nothing but upside to the entire experience.”

For more information or to donate to Locks of Love, you can visit www.locksoflove.org.