Hair donated by students at M. Scott Carpenter elementary school with help make wigs for cancer patients.
OLD BRIDGE -- Students at M. Scott Carpenter elementary school figured out how to pay it forward.
More than 20 students, faculty and volunteers donated more than 160 inches of their hair to charity.
The theme for the school year was "Pay it Forward," said school counselor Kirsten Tilton.
Students decided that donating their hair to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths charity to make real hair wigs for cancer patients who have lost their own hair was the way said Tilton.
"A little nervous," said Olivia Leon, who was celebrating her sixth birthday and donating her hair in front of a multi-purpose room full of students and friends.
Fifth-grade teacher Christine Lynch donated her hair because her "fellow fifth-grade teacher is a cancer survivor."
Volunteers from Madison and Lex Hair came out on their day off and cut a minimum of eight inches off hair. Most had one pony tail of hair but some had two.
Fifth-grade teacher Judi Schlesinger smiled after she cut off and handed Christine Lynch an eight-inch length of hair that Lynch was donating.
"I am grateful that I am a survivor for almost nine years," said Schlesinger.
Ed Murray may be reached at emurray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Ed on Twitter at @EdMurrayphoto. Find NJ.COM on Facebook.
