In less than one day, the students at Hampton Bays Middle School collected more than 345 inches of hair donations for Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. The initiative, shepherded by eighth-grader Mackenzie Tyler, was attended by friends, family and school staff as well as supporters as far away as Texas, New Hampshire and North Carolina.

Mackenzie came up with the idea two years ago, when she was in the sixth grade, and decided to put her plan into action by rallying her fellow students at Hampton Bays Middle School. Not only did her peers come out to show their support, but so did school staffers, students’ parents and family members.

Mackenzie’s mother, Catherine Tyler, said that once her daughter sets her mind to a task, she will not stop until she completes it. “I’m so proud of her,” Ms. Tyler said. “She sees a need and just goes out and does it.”

According to middle school teacher Pamela Renna, who helped organize the event with Mackenzie and the Hair Happening committee, a Chinese auction took place throughout the event with many local businesses donating goods.