'Locks of Love' doner times three!

Daisy Kelly, who was inspired by her brother, donated three "locks of love" to help needy children.

Daisy Kelley's long, brown hair has been a part of her for as long as she can remember.

Her mother, Susan Burrous of Galeton, says Daisy has been growing it since birth.

But once the girl learned of a way to painlessly help others by sacrificing a part of that mane, she was eager to move forward. Little did she know that her donation of hair through the internationally acclaimed "Locks of Love" organization would end up becoming three donations!

Just before school started, Daisy visited the Figurehead Salon in Wellsboro, where beautician determined that she could cut not one, but three separate pony tails, each 11 inches long.

"Daisy's brother had done it and she thought that it would be nice to do," her mother explained. "She was excited about the fact that she could make three kids happy instead of just one because of how thick her hair was."

Even with the donation, Daisy still has shoulder-length hair. She said she intends to donate to Locks of Love again once nature takes its course.

Locks of Love is an international, non-profit organization that accepts donations of human hair to make wigs for children under the age of 18. Hair must be at least 10 inches long and healthy. Its color doesn't matter.

Males can donate, too. John Snyder of Coudersport, former Adelphia employee who now works with wife, Olga, at Olga's Living with Art, recently donated his ponytail to Locks of Love.

Children who are in need of wigs as a result of cancer treatments, alopecia or other conditions apply to Locks of Love. Those who qualify for hair have their heads measured and a mold prepared, from which a wig is created.

Each child accepted by Locks of Love is eligible for up to five wigs, allowing for suitable fit all the way through age 18. Each wig, if bought on its own, would cost $1,200 or more.

Many who learn of stories such as Daisy's are motivated to offer their own long hair. The best way to begin is to visit the website: locksoflove.org. Area beauticians also have information about the organization.

Most of those who do donate never know what becomes of their contribution. That's by design; Locks of Love is committed to privacy and anonymity when it comes to both the donors and the recipients.