DeKALB | DeKalb residents have gone to great lengths to help those who are less fortunate.

Since 1998, Locks of Love has provided hairpieces to thousands of financially disadvantaged children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions. The Florida-based, nonprofit organization accepts hair donations and forms them into custom-fit hair prosthetics.

According to the Locks of Love Web site, children comprise more than 80 percent of the donors, making this a charity where children have the opportunity to help other children.

While local salons get varied participation, some owners feel Locks of Love is a productive and worthwhile cause.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said Angie Smith, assistant manager of Hair Cuttery, 811 W. Lincoln Highway. “It helps those who are sick or can’t grow hair if they have a disease.”

Smith’s salon has about 50 donors, usually between the ages of 18 and 25, contributing each year.

Depending on the salon, clients can either leave their donations at the salon or send it to Locks of Love themselves.

“We just fill up a bag [with donated hair],” said Marie Hutchison, supervisor of BoRics Haircare, 2566 Sycamore Road. “When the bag gets full, we send it in.”

Since its start, the charity has grown in popularity.

“I have a client that does it every three years or so for Girl Scouts,” said Dawn Harding, manager of Alberto Co, 1146 S. Fourth St. “I cut the hair and she sends it in.”

Great Clips, 2587 Sycamore Road, recently sent 400 inches to the charity.

“A lot more kids are doing it,” said Carrie Humphreys, manager of Great Clips. “[They are] growing their hair to send it away. [We have] had a five-year-old to a 60-year-old woman [participate]. We’ve had men [donate], but mostly women.”

Donations from Great Clips are sent to the charity four times a year. Humphreys estimates they have sent thousands of inches of hair.

“We get about 150 to 200 people a year,” Humphreys said. “We’ve been doing it since 1998.”

Katie Trusk is a City Reporter for the Northern Star.