Belgreen kindergartener donates hair to Wigs for Kids

Children getting haircuts is nothing unusual. But a child cutting off 10.5 inches to help make a wig for a child in need is far less common.

Maddison Melecio, 5, a kindergartener at Belgreen High School, cut off 10.5 inches of her hair to donate to Wigs for Kids, a nonprofit organization that has been serving children suffering from hair loss since 1981.

“She’s been wanting to cut her hair for a long time,” mother Kendra Melecio said. When Maddison saw another woman at the salon cutting her hair to donate to Wigs for Kids, Maddison was was inspired to do the same.

Wigs for Kids, according to its website, is “a cooperative effort among certified cosmetic therapists throughout North America who share a common goal.”

“Children shouldn’t have to worry about how they look, especially when they’re in the middle of a health crisis,” said founder Jeffrey Paul.

Maddison had her hair cut by her aunt, Kim Tyra, owner at Salon Bliss Muscle Shoals.

“I didn’t want her to cut her hair off, but I love the fact it was getting donated,” Kendra said. “She’s never had short hair.”

According to the website, Wigs for Kids depends on monetary and hair donations from generous individuals. The process for creating wigs made from real hair is costly and time consuming. Wigs for Kids never charges the families that are receiving these custom Hair Replacement Systems

Maddison’s parents are Antonio and Kendra Melecio.