Senior history major Michelle Vargas got a haircut two years ago. Little did she know that it would be her last for a while.

Vargas, a member of the Alpha Phi Gamma sorority, recently donated her hair to Locks of Love as part of a philanthropy for her chapter.

Locks of Love is a not-for-profit organization that provides hair pieces to financially-deprived children who are under 18 and suffering from long-term hair loss.

When a member of Alpha Phi Gamma’s father was diagnosed with cancer earlier this summer, Michele Song, a sophomore public health-health administration major and member of the sorority, suggested to the sisters that they donate their hair as part of a philanthropy.

“I know that cutting their hair was hard for some, but we really wanted to contribute to Locks of Love,” Song said.

When Vargas heard of the opportunity, she did not hesitate.

“There are cancer patients out there who need people’s help and this is an easy and personal way to lend a hand,” Vargas said. “This is especially for younger children who want to fit in with their peers but cannot afford to buy a wig.”

Vargas and another sorority sister called around to local hair salons, trying to find someone to cut their hair. Since there are no restrictions as to who can make the donation, the two chose the DeKalb Wal-Mart as the location.

Anyone can donate hair. Locks of Love, however, asks that the donated hair be in a ponytail, be a minimum length of 10 inches and not be bleached or chemically damaged.

Song said in the future she plans on organizing a school-wide philanthropy in which students will be able to sign up to donate their hair to Locks of Love.

“I hope to one day donate my own hair. I know that money can easily be donated, but giving away your hair to a child is something so special,” she said. “I feel like through this experience I have learned so much.”