Crystal Erickson, 21, of Copperas Cove, recently donated her hair to Locks of Love.

Debbie Howard, at Classy Cuts Salon in Copperas Cove, cut Erickson's hair for the donation.

Erickson heard about Locks of Love three years ago when her best friend donated her hair to the organization.  The charity collects hair in ponytails or braids and uses them to create wigs and hairpieces for children who have lost their hair due to illness.

 "I was inspired to do this  because I hear about  people making monetary donations all the

time, and a lot of times they do it for show or for the wrong reasons.  I wanted to be selfless and thought this was a good way of doing that." Erickson said.

Erickson is a student at Central Texas College, and has a homebased photography business.