BANGOR – It’s not what Emily Manzo said during her haircut that was so unusual.

“Goodbye, long hair – hello-o-o-o, short hair,” was a comment any 6-year-old might have made while getting a summertime ‘do.

It’s why the youngster decided to get her hair cut.

Emily’s hair has been sent to Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that collects hair donations to make hairpieces for girls and boys under 18 who have lost their own hair from treatments such as chemotherapy for cancer.

It was her decision to make the gift after her mom, Lisa Manzo, sat her down and explained the program to her. Manzo had heard the idea from a co-worker at the Bangor Daily News.

“If I didn’t have any hair, I’d be sad,” Emily said to her mother, adding, “Maybe I can make another child happy by giving them my hair.”

The youngster, who just finished first grade at Vine Street School in Bangor, went with her mother to Good Looks, a beauty salon on Garland Street.

Emily’s eyes grew big when April Nadeau cut off her hair in two long ponytails and laid them out on the counter, Manzo recalled.

“I don’t think she realized how much she had,” her mother said.

Maine donors to Locks of Love have included Andy Maxsimic, computer teacher in Glenburn; and Niki Lake, who just finished her sophomore year at Hermon High.

Hair must be at least 10 inches in length, clean and dry, braided or ponytailed, and placed in a sealed plastic bag before mailing.

Making a child’s hairpiece may take up to 10 to 15 ponytails, according to the Florida organization’s Web site at www.locksoflove.org. The site includes photos of some of the children who have been helped by donations.

All recipients are under 18. Very young children receive synthetic hair, because their heads grow so fast. Any hair received that cannot be used in these hairpieces may be sold to help pay for the manufacture of hairpieces.

The organization also accepts financial donations to help pay for the making of the hairpieces.

For Lisa Manzo, it’s not just the hair the organization needs. She found the haircut was a way to explain to her daughter about helping others and a way to do her part to bring attention to a worthy effort.

April Nadeau has made copies of the form to keep on hand for donating hair at Good Looks, Manzo added.

Locks of Love may be contacted at 2925 10th Ave. North, Ste. 102, Lake Worth, FL 33461; toll-free (888) 896-1588; or on the Web.