Great Clips, 2587 Sycamore Road, will hold a cut-a-thon from Saturday through Oct. 24 to raise money for Ronald McDonald House charities.

Lea Gorman, co-owner of Great Clips, said the cut-a-thon is taking place during regular salon hours. A portion of the proceeds from each haircut will be donated to Ronald McDonald House.

Gorman said this is the second year the salon is hosting a cut-a-thon. Last year, they raised more than $500 for the charity. She said they got a good response last year and are hoping for a bigger response this year. Their goal is to raise at least $900.

“We hope to do as many haircuts as possible,” Gorman said.

Gorman said all Great Clips salons in the Chicago area are participating in the cut-a-thon. Last year, the salons raised almost $8,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.

According to the Ronald McDonald House charities’ Web site, the purpose of Ronald McDonald House is to provide a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children who are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

Instead of staying in hotels or hospital chairs, families stay at the House as a temporary residence, and are asked to donate $5 to $20 per day. If they cannot pay, their stay is free.

The first Ronald McDonald House opened in 1974 in Pennyslvania. Today, there are 212 houses in 20 countries. According to their Web site, Ronald McDonald House has helped 10 million families since 1974.