Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 who have lost their hair due to a number of various medical conditions. The prostheses they provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.
When Locks of Love first began, it was spearheaded by Madonna Coffman, a retired cardiac nurse who had a great deal of volunteer experience working for not-for-profits in the surrounding Palm Beach area. Madonna developed alopecia, and later recovered but when her daughter was diagnosed with the same medical condition, Madonna said although it was difficult to deal with her hair loss, her daughter's loss was ten times harder. She then quit all other charity work and took on Locks of Love as a full time volunteer cheered on by her daughter's recovery as her inspiration.
Since the beginning, the charity has received a great deal of support by both the media and its volunteers throughout the country. Locks of Love has been featured or mentioned on television shows such as The Today Show, Oprah, 20/20, Jay Leno, Good Morning America, and in national publications including USA Today, The NY Times, People, Self, Child Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal.
The number of hairpieces provided has increased significantly since its inception. To date, over 2,000 children have been helped. Locks of Love has recipients in all 50 states and Canada and is working towards its goal to help every financially disadvantaged child suffering from long-term hair loss.
It's been a movement in the Ventura office, with 3 individuals cutting their hair drastically and donating to the organization. After years of threatening, Amber Kramer fully shaved her head to donate more than 23 inches. Both Kristine Durand and Cindy Pratt committed soon after. The minimum length to donate to LOL is 10 inches. Combined, about 5 FEET OF HAIR was donated in total! For more information on how you can donate to or help LOL, visit www.locksoflove.org.
