NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -
Buzzers and clippers worked overtime on Thursday from Queens to Kings Point, Long Island.
"I can cut off my hair and give it to someone and have it be put into a wig for someone who needs it, it's just such a beautiful gift," said Marissa Ruotolo, a student.
Several hair drives took place to support St. Baldrick's Foundation, which funds childhood cancer research.
At the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, shipmen got their buzz on for a good cause.
At St. John's University, the guest of honor was Gabrielle Brancaccio, 5. She was diagnosed with cancer of the retina, but has been cancer free for four years.
"We're so thrilled that just by donating hair by shaving it or cutting it, you can raise money to raise money for other children like Gabrielle live a long, healthy life," said Dana Brancaccio, her mother.
For track star Veronica Thompson it was a personal decision she made after reading an article that talked about how crucial hair is to a woman's identity.
"What a gift it would be to give to someone else, all of my good hair days, all my bad hair days, and here you can have that privilege that I have," Thompson said.
Some people we spoke to have been coming to this event for multiple years. One guy has done it four years in a row.
They all say they're looking forward to growing their hair out so they could do it again in 2014.
http://www.stbaldricks.org/
CORRECTION: St. Baldrick's funds childhood cancer research, it does not provide wigs for cancer patients.
