LA PLATA, Md. — Amber DiToto, Deputy Director of Police Records Management at the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, made a heartfelt contribution last month by donating over 12 inches of her hair to Children With Hair Loss (CWHL). The nonprofit provides free hair replacements to children experiencing medically related hair loss, a mission encapsulated in their motto, “Covering young heads to heal young hearts.”
DiToto’s journey with hair donation began on February 9, 2017, while she was an agent for Parole and Probation at the Leonardtown Field Office. Inspired by a local family’s loss of their young son to cancer, she researched ways to help and discovered CWHL. That same day, she drove to Mechanicsville after work to have her hair cut and donated. “The foundation is the only of its kind that provides hair replacement to children undergoing cancer treatments, recovering from burns, living with alopecia, or battling rare diseases free of charge,” she said.
Her commitment deepened after her grandmother’s cancer battle. Diagnosed shortly after DiToto’s first donation, her grandmother relied on wigs and head coverings to boost her confidence during treatment. She passed away in November 2019, prompting DiToto to donate again. “As cancer continues to affect so many of our families, friends, and coworkers, it seems like a really easy decision to donate,” she said. “Truthfully, I love keeping my hair long, but if cutting it can help make someone else feel beautiful when they have so much on their plate, it’s something I will always do without a second thought.”
CWHL, based in Michigan, has provided over 7,000 hair replacements since 2000, serving children up to age 21 across the U.S. The organization accepts donations of at least 8 inches of untreated hair, which is crafted into wigs by professional stylists, according to their website at childrenwithhairloss.org. Each donation can significantly impact a child’s self-esteem during challenging times.
DiToto’s latest donation in February 2025 marks her third contribution to CWHL, reflecting a personal tradition of giving back. Her role at the sheriff’s office involves overseeing records management, but her actions outside the office highlight a broader commitment to community service. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office celebrated her efforts in a recent Facebook post, calling her “a true example of giving back in meaningful ways.”
Hair donation requires planning—DiToto grows her hair long between cuts, a process that can take years. Her story resonates in a county where cancer touches many lives, aligning with CWHL’s mission to support young patients. The sheriff’s office, serving Charles County since 1658, often highlights staff contributions, and DiToto’s gesture underscores the agency’s community ties.
For those inspired to contribute, CWHL welcomes hair donations and monetary support to cover wig-making costs. DiToto’s experience offers a model of how small acts can ripple outward, providing comfort to children facing medical hardships.
