What an AWESOME Day at Kutting for Kids

Today I had the incredible opportunity to help photograph the Kutting for Kids event at the Orange Park Mall. All I can say is WOW! So many wonderful people showed up to donate their hair to Locks of Love -- from all ages, all walks of life, it was just amazing! If I remember correctly, the last update I read on the sign that the Orange Park Girl Scouts were updating said 400 donations with the longest single ponytail being 28-inches long -- that was towards the end of the 4 hour event.

Kutting for Kids was first started nine years ago by Jeannie Blalock and First Coast News to help get donations for Locks of Love who take the donations and make custom wigs for children who do not have hair due to medical reasons. It takes Six to 10 donated ponytails to make just one hairpiece.

As I was walking around today to the different stylist stations, I had the opportunity to talk to some of the individuals who were donating their hair. What incredible stories they have. From one man who began growing his hair several years ago after his wife's father died from cancer. He received a lot of grief from people about having long hair until he told them of his reason for growing it. His wife donated her ponytail a few weeks ago and he brought her here today so he could donate his.

One little six year old girl came in with incredibly long, beautiful hair. She had never had a haircut but wanted more than anything to donate her hair so another child could have it. The stylist cut 18 inches. I don't know who was more nervous - she or her mom, but she looked just beautiful and dad even bought her a princess tiara for after her hair was cut. She didn't know what to think at first when she was checking out her ponytail that mom was holding.


These were just a few of the many amazing stories I was told today.

It was definitely a day filled with emotion. Watching the questionable expressions on the faces of some of the little ones when mom came back after getting her hair cut was priceless - they didn't really know what to think. There were many who were ecstatic to have the extra weight off their head, and there were some who were nervous and a few that shed a tear or two. And there were a few who had their hair cut recently and saved their ponytail so that they could give it to Jeannie, like this young lady.


While everyone was celebrating the day, some very talented musicians played some pretty awesome music for everyone to enjoy! The Simon Mall Kidgits also had a table where the little girls who got their hair cut could decorate and personalize a hairband with some pretty cool stickers! A clown painted faces and Batman even made an appearance!

To EVERYONE who came out today, THANK YOU you so very much for making such a great turnout to such an amazing event.

To see more images, please log on to the First Coast News website, click the View Videos and Photos link and select the Kutting for Kids gallery. Here are just a few of the many images taken today!