Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that gives hairpieces to under privileged children who are suffering from hair losing illnesses. All the children are 21 and under and most have lost their hair from a disorder called alopecia which has no known cause or cure. This autoimmune disorder causes follicles to shut down and in most cases is a permanent loss in hair. Other recipients are victims of severe burns, cancer treatments, or have skin disorders that have resulted in permanent hair loss.

Locks of Love brings a sense of normalcy back to the children who have lost their hair. Many children have been teased and have been embarrassed due to the attention they get because they don’t have hair, with a hairpiece, a child can have a sense of belonging and can feel confident. In order for Locks of Love to continue its success it needs adults and children to donate their hair. The organization is different from other wig manufacturers because Locks of Love wigs are specialized for children. These wigs are sized according to the particular child’s head unlike other companies that specialize more in adult wigs. Adult wigs do not fit the child’s head properly and are uncomfortable for them to wear.

Locks of Love became a non-profit organization in December of 1997. The leader of the newfound organization, Madonna Coffman, suffered from alopecia in her twenties. Through the years Coffman recovered through various vaccinations and medications. Fifteen years later she had a daughter who also had alopecia. As she watched her daughter go through the obstacles of the illness, she became even more involved in Locks of Love and spreading its awareness. Through the years Locks of Love has become more widely known and the amount of hair donated has increased significantly.