Huntington Hairathon and Abraxas Salon Team up for Charity
Throughout its long history, Huntington High School has always been filled with students displaying an almost unmatched penchant for charity and community service. It’s a tradition that everyone associated with the school takes pride and comfort in and it has only gained strength over the years.
The latest example of this charitable streak can be found in a partnership formed between Huntington’s Peer LEADership class and Abraxas Salon of Huntington. The pair has joined together to host their 1st annual Hairathon on February 25 beginning at 3 p.m. and continuing throughout the afternoon and into the evening. It’s an event that has the school community buzzing.
Abraxas Salon is donating $45 haircuts and asks only that the hairstylists be tipped. Several students and staff have already signed up to donate their hair, which will benefit Locks of Love, a not-for-profit organization that provides disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term hair loss due to any diagnosis, with a custom, vacuum-fitted hairpiece made entirely from human hair. According to the Locks of Love website, “The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.”
Many other Huntington students and staff will be participating in a sponsorship-type activity for the Feb. 25 event where they have agreed to have their heads shaved in exchange for monetary donations from friends and family. All monies raised by the head shaving will also go Locks of Love to alleviate the costs of manufacturing wigs.
The vacuum fit is designed for children who have experienced a total loss of scalp hair and does not require the use of tape or glue. Most of the applicants suffer from the autoimmune condition known as alopecia areata for which there is no known cause or cure. Others have suffered severe burns or injuries or endured radiation treatment to the brain stem or other dermatological conditions that result in permanent hair loss.
Locks of Love, has helped over 2,000 children since it began operations in 1998. Thousands of bundles of donated hair arrive each year as a result of the national publicity the organization receives in newspapers, magazines, and television programs. Children comprise over 80 percent of the donors, making this a charity where young people have an opportunity to help other children.
Donated hair is evaluated for its usefulness according to the following guidelines: It must be at least 8-10 inches in length and bundled in a pony-tail or a braid; bleached hair cannot be used; hair that has been dyed or permed can be used.
Monetary tax deductible donations can also be made to Locks of Love. Organizers ask that contributors include a notation in the memo area indicating “Huntington High School Hairathon 2008” with any donation. Abraxas Salon is located at 235 East Main Street in Huntington Village.
For more information about the Hairathon, contact Huntington High School teacher and club advisor Suzie Biagi at either 673-2001 or sbiagi@hufsd.edu.
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