Holley, 11, recently donated 10 1/2 inches of her hair to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to children who have suffered long-term health-related hair loss.

The fifth-grader at Tonganoxie Elementary School said she got the idea to donate her hair from her friends.

“I just felt really bad for kids who had the finest hair and it fell out,” Holley said.

This is the first time Holley has made a donation. She said she liked having shorter hair for several reasons.

“It’s a lot easier,” she said. “I’m not as hot. I don’t have to use as much shampoo. I know it will grow back.”

Jennifer Smith of Sharper Image Family Hair Care, 304 West St., gave Holley her new hairstyle.

Holley’s parents are Margie and Wade Thompson, Tonganoxie.