Kid Power! Locks of Love

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we’ll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

 “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This quote by Mahatma Ghandi means that if you want to make a difference, you can start with yourself. Get involved in your community, school, and neighborhood! You may be thinking, “I want to make a difference, but I don’t know how and for what?” This is easy. Start by asking yourself, “What am I passionate about?” Do you love animals? How do you feel about equal opportunities? Do you feel like more people need to be informed about health issues? Choose a few causes and see which one makes your heart pump the hardest, which one drives you to want immediate change.

Locks of Love is one example of how you can help other kids. Locks of Love is an organization that makes hairpieces with donated hair and gives them to children who have lost their hair due to a medical condition. That way, kids suffering from hair loss get to feel happy and confident again!

12-year-old Ashlyn Stewart, Scholastic News Kids Press reporter, donated 12 inches of her hair to Locks of Love. One of her close friends was getting teased about her hair loss from the skin condition, alopecia, and Ashlyn decided it was time to take action. Read more about Ashlyn’s experience.

As you can see, making a difference can be a simple and genuine act. Ashlyn saw her friend being teased, and she did something about it. You can start anywhere: you can help out a friend, volunteer to walk a neighbor’s dog, sign up for a national organization, and the list goes on. And, you don’t have to restrict yourself to just one cause; you can always support your friends’ causes as well. Ask your parents or school about how to get more involved.

Are you interested in donating your hair to Locks of Love? Go for it! Click here to find out how.  And keep reading Ink Splot 26 every Thursday for more ways to use your Kid Power to make the world a better place! 

— Glory, Scholastic Intern (a.k.a. CupcakeChateau4)

Comments

[Comment #1]

I donated 15 inches to Locks of Love in May. It was great to know I helped someone in need. I'm really intrested in starting a Christain organizatoin that teaches needy girls how to dance.

[Comment #2]

I donated my hair too even though I looked like a boy after.

[Comment #3]

It is important for kids to get involved at school and other places. It is never too early to make a difference.

[Comment #4]

i used to have long hair and i donated 15 inches

[Comment #5]

That's an amazing way to help out!

[Comment #6]

A year ago, I donated 10 inches of my hair (the minimum) and people not only liked the change but it was great knowing that my hair would end up on somebody else's head instead of the trash.

[Comment #7]

I did Locks of Love in 2008 and I am growing my hair out to do it again here soon.

[Comment #8]

10 inches. It felt felt really weird afterwards, but the organization sent me a card.

[Comment #9]

i donated 13 inches (my whole pony tail)
to locks of love this past summer. ive been growing my hair for it for three years starting from when my friend got dieignosed with lukimia

[Comment #10]

Locks of Love is a great way to help out!

[Comment #11]

I donated 8 inches a few years ago.

[Comment #12]

this is a good story. every year me and my girl scouts troop give food to the poor and do food drives

[Comment #13]

For my LOCKS OF LOVE!!!!!!!!:i donated MY ENTIRE DAY TO A HOMELESS SHELTER/NURSING HOME!raising money for the sick and those who need supplies and food or sheltering and raised over thousands of $$$$$$

[Comment #14]

Good work everyone!