For 35 years Stella Castriota and her salon, Giorgio’s in the Whitestone Shopping Center, have been giving back to the community.
But on Saturday, September 11 – a very somber day for the country, if not the world – Castriota, her daughter Nicole and her staff hosted a Locks of Love event, and this time, the community gave back.
According to its web site, “Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.”
Eleven-year-old Alyssa Gomez of East Elmhurst donated 10 inches of her wavy chestnut hair.
She was a little nervous, she said, but realized that the cause is important, especially since a relative had recently died of breast cancer.
“She’s so brave,” said a very proud mom, Anna Llompart, once her daughter’s hair had been snipped to shoulder length.
“I really feel this was a great thing to do for the community, especially children – you can’t do enough for them,” said Castriota. “Since 2001, 9/11 has been so sad, we wanted to bring a little joy and happiness.”
And, she noted, September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.
With hundreds of people from as far away as Manhattan, Staten Island and Long Island coming out to donate hair, money or just support, at the end of the day $500 was collected for the cause.
“I have very loyal clients, they are very warm people, very giving,” said Castriota, who also provided food and refreshments throughout the event. Additionally, all stylists’ services were donated.
“I think my mom is amazing,” said Nicole. “Everyone has been very supportive and we had a great turnout with a lot of positive energy.”
“It just goes to show,” said Stella, who noted she will be doing other events in the future, “if you put a lot into the community, you get a lot back.”
To learn more about Locks of Love, visit www.locksoflove.org; to find out more about Giorgio’s, call 718-767-7777.
