Staff report

ASHLAND, Ky. — The Cosmetology Program at Ashland Community and Technical College is currently seeking wig donations for their Stepping Stones program, which supports local cancer patients who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy.
The Stepping Stones program allows ACTC cosmetology students to collect, wash, and style donated wigs before providing them free of charge to those in need.
“Our Stepping Stones program is vital to our community because it gives access to something that is so precious to people, their hair,” says Mourine Smith, the cosmetology program coordinator. “Most cancer patients struggle with the loss of their hair and having this program gives them the opportunity to feel somewhat better about themselves at no cost.”
Launched in 2002 by former program coordinator Patti Banfield, Stepping Stones has provided hundreds of wigs over the years to those in need.
“Cancer is a heartbreaking disease,” Smith adds. “It is our honor to be able to provide wigs to those who have been diagnosed. Cancer has the power to take so much away from the patient. Those who donate wigs to our program make a difference in the lives of those who are affected.”
Wigs can be dropped off at the salon on the College Drive Campus, at the corner of Oakview Road and Ramey Street, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.
For monetary donations, please contact ACTC’s Foundation at as_foundation@kctcs.edu. Gift-in-kind tax forms are also available through the Foundation office.