Frank King knows what it is to give. The 71-year-old retiree is a part of the Marianna Elks Lodge and works for FEMA, helping out at different disasters around the country. He’s also worked with Jackson County Emergency Management and the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department.
“When you love the Lord, that’s one of the things you’re supposed to do,” King said.
The love of charity stems from his childhood growing up in a lower-middle class family in Chicago, King said.
“We always had need but we always found time to help others,” King explained.
It was a challenge that led him to one charity, however. King’s granddaughter, then 14- or 15-year-old Katrina, was growing her hair out for Locks of Love, a nonprofit that donates hairpieces to anyone under 21 with hair loss from an illness. Katrina told her grandfather he could not grow out his hair because he was too old.
About five years later, this is King’s second and last time growing out and donating his hair. The Bascom resident traveled to Brenda’s Beauty Shop in Malone to have his hair cut.
King has been growing out his hair for about two years now. Locks of Love requires at least 10 inches of hair, but shop owner Brenda Wilson cut off about 12 inches of King’s hair.
King said his hair’s upkeep really wasn’t too much of a hassle. After the haircut, he said he felt bald. Still, he was glad he did it.
“Any age can contribute something to people in need,” King said.
To learn more about Locks of Love, visit www.locksoflove.org.
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