Oregon inmates get cuts for Locks of Love

by Cathy Marshall, KGW.com  -  May 9, 2013

WILSONVILLE, Ore. --- It’s not the traditional setting for a beauty salon, but on Wednesday, behind prison walls in Wilsonville, dozens of women had haircuts and donated the trimmings to Locks of Love.

“It’s a great cause,” said inmate Jennifer Hinde who’s in the two-year hair design program at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.

Dozens of inmates donated more than 1,300 inches of hair, which will be enough for 18 wigs. The marathon morning of haircuts was held in honor of Susan Marlin, who has pancreatic cancer.

“She is our hero or 'she-ro' as we like to say,” said Hinde. “She helps us find jobs in the institution and she’ll always talk with us.”

Marlin has worked at Coffee Creek since it opened, first keeping it clean as a custodian and now keeping it green as a landscaper.

“The inmates have been so supportive since I was diagnosed in June. I walk through and they say they’re praying for me,” said Marlin.

An inmate named Leslie donated 90 inches of hair.

“It’s my first haircut in 20 years. I want to do some good with what I don’t need,” she said.

“I am overwhelmed by the response,” said Marlin as she looked around the salon. ”So many have given hair and others have donated money.”

The hair and money will go to Locks of Love in Florida where wigs will be made and donated to children in need.

“Many of these women know someone with cancer. They can’t be there to give hugs, but they can do this and I’m grateful to be part of it,” concluded Marlin.

http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Oregon-inmates-provide-for-Locks-of-Love-206675111.html