More than 320 volunteers took part in the first local workshop hosted by the Magic Yarn Project, which seeks to provide cool wigs for children dealing with cancer and other conditions.
From cotton candy colors to princess styles, the resulting creations were nothing short of spectacular.
“The Magic Yarn Project was a great success,” said organizer Lorraine Hepworth. “Making yarn wigs styled after beloved Disney characters for children battling cancer and other medical hair loss proved to be heart-warming and fun.”
The workshops were held Oct. 8 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Allendale Avenue in Saratoga.
People of all ages took part in the three sessions, including Girl Scout troops, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters and community knitting groups.
“Each team of two made a wig, had a Polaroid picture taken, a card filled out, then packaged with a ribbon to match,” she said. “The organizers trained volunteers to be wig stylists the night before.”
In total, 160 wigs were spun up and will now be delivered to hospitals and cancer clinics.
Organizers said they had a bigger turnout than they had even initially anticipated.
The drive was held in partnership with Just Serve, a web resource run by the Mormon church that connects helpers with volunteer opportunities.
Its advisory council features representatives from the Salvation Army, Latter-day Saint Charities, Rotary International, IsraAid and Doblin Group, among others.
Holly Christensen, the co-founder of The Magic Yarn Project, said the wigs aren’t just whimsical and wonderful—they’re also utilitarian.
“Traditional wigs are often too scratchy and uncomfortable for tender post-chemo skin, but Magic Yarn wigs are soft, cozy, warm and styled after beloved fairytale characters that embody inspiring traits such as bravery, kindness and integrity,” she said. “This workshop is designed to accommodate volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities.”
The Magic Yarn Project is the largest, volunteer-run 501c3 charity that produces yarn wigs and character beanies to children experiencing medical hair loss.
The nonprofit seeks to inspire people to take on a life of volunteering.
So far, it’s recruited 50,000 people to help with the cause—pumping out 40,000 wigs in the process.
