HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: East Buchanan student growing hair for good cause

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By David Steele, East Buchanan freshman

WINTHROP - Freddie Rasmussen, a freshman at East Buchanan High School, is growing his hair for a good cause.

Locks of Love is a non-profit organization based in  Florida that uses real hair, donated by people like Rasmussen, to make hairpieces for children in the United States and Canada who are suffering from medical-related hair loss.

To donate, a person's hair must be at least 12 inches long, in a ponytail. Rasmussen has been growing his hair out since the end of seventh grade and is very near the required length.

Steele's gesture, however, has not been without trial. He has accidentally been confused as a young girl several times, including once by a substitute teacher, and it has become increasingly more difficult for him to wash his hair thoroughly.

It is all worth it ,though, because he said that he “wants to be a good person.”

If you would like to donate to Locks of Love, you can either do as Rasmussen and donate a lock of your hair or mail a monetary donation to the charity at 234 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33405.