Cost Cutters collects hair donations for Gulf of Mexico cleanup

From press release

Cost Cutters of Madison, owner of Rockford-area Cost Cutters salon locations, is leading the charge to help collect hair clippings that will aid in the clean-up of the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Franchise owner William Kaminski explained: “We’re asking all of our 50 salons in Illinois and Wisconsin to come together and really make a difference in the environment by saving all of the hair clippings from our stores. We are also extending this request to all other Rockford area hair salons, pet grooming businesses, and the community by asking everyone to join us by donating as well.”

Anyone interested is encouraged to bring donations to any area Cost Cutters location through Monday, May 24. An official drop-off day for any other donations is also scheduled for Tuesday, May 25, at the Cost Cutters salon at 7935 N. Alpine Road in Loves Park, from 2 to 6 p.m. Donations from all salons in the area will be brought together at that time.

Innovative thinking by a group called Matter of Trust, a national non-profit organization, has created a program where hair clippings are being made into rugs and booms and being used to soak up oil and help clean affected beaches and harbors. The Rockford-area Cost Cutters collection will be donated through this charity group. To find out more about Matter of Trust, visit their Web site at www.matteroftrust.org. Salons or community members can follow the following steps to collect hair for the cause:

1. Set aside a container for the collection and line with a garbage bag.

2. Sweep all clippings into the bag. (Only hair can be put into the collection, no other garbage—any type and any length of hair works! Even pet hair and wool!)

3. Tie the top of the bag and place in a cardboard box.

4. Mark the box with the words “Debris-Free Hair.”

5. Bring to your local Cost Cutters through May 24 or to the drop-off day at the 7935 N. Alpine Road location Tuesday, May 25.

From the May 19-25, 2010 issue