Locks shorn to aid ill children

Leigha Barfield, age 11; Kaitlynn Smith, age 9; Anna Brooke Barfield, age 9; and Cara McFarland, age 8, pose before cutting their hair for Wigs for Kids and Ponytail Kids. The four girls decided to donate their hair to children suffering from illnesses and going through chemotherapy treatments. (Courtesy photo)

Four Gunfighter family members decided to cut their hair to help other children Feb. 14.

The four girls, Leigha and Anna Brooke Barfield, ages 11 and 9, daughters of Chaplain (Capt.) Steve Barfield; Kaitlynn Smith, age 9, daughter of Chaplain (Capt.) Sam Smith; and Cara McFarland, age 8, daughter of Lt. Col. Charles McFarland, decided many months ago to wait until February to have their hair cut together so they could donate their pony tails to other little girls who needed hair pieces due to illness and chemotherapy. Not only was it Valentines Day, but it was also three of the girls' birthdays.

All of their cut ponytails measured between 10 and 13 inches long.

One of the organizations receiving some of the ponytails is Wigs for Kids. They provide custom-made hair pieces for children in need at no cost to the families. Each hairpiece cost between $1,800 and $3,000 to make. Their Web site is www.wigsforkids.org.

The girls who donate their hair can even send a personal note to be given to the recipient.

A minimum of 12 inches of hair is needed.

The other organization receiving the ponytails is Ponytail Kids. Their Web site is www.ponytailkids.com.

They also provide free hairpieces for children, but require only an eight-inch minimum.