Maggie's Wigs4kids of Michigan

See schedule oin 2022, Maggie's wigs 4 kids of Michigan had 164 wig consultations, fittings and self-image service appointments for the children in our program. 209 wig recipients, their parents & siblings participated in support services such as makeup & skin care classes, nail grooming, fitness, gardening and attending themed parties in our enchanted tea room along with our halloween & holiday parties. We continued to offer onsite and virtual wig consultations via zoom to measure the children's heads right from their hospital beds with the assistance of nurse navigators and child life specialists.the nonprofit has serviced children & families from 52 Michigan counties and continues to work with all 8 hospitals in Michigan that provide pediatric oncology, u of m burn center, phoenix burn society, trichotillomania learning center, pediatricians, dermatologists, schools, etc.2022 was the second year the organization utilized its raised therapy garden where wig recipients planted healthy herbs & vegetables while learning about the importance of nutrition. The produce is harvested & incorporated into meal-planning for a farm-to-table cooking experience. The wig recipients have the opportunity to build camaraderie of friendships with their peers. Also in 2022, makeup & skin care classes were introduced to help the children's self-esteem through a positive self-image. The classes, which are held monthly, have been facilitated by maggie varney, founder & ceo and madison; a wig recipient & professional makeup artist. The children identify with her and have found success in building their self-care skills. 1,732 service hours were donated by the board of directors, advisory board, honorary board, youth board, professional and non-skilled volunteers. The Maggie's wigs 4 kids of Michigan employees along with founder & ceo maggie varney also contributed 3,249 volunteer hours to help grow the program; for a total of 4,981 hours. Maggie's wigs 4 kids of Michigan continues to be embraced by the beauty industry; receiving support from 1,043 cosmetology schools, salons and beauty professional volunteers.the organization was recertified platinum level by guidestar in 2022. Less than half of one percent of all charities achieve this recognition. They are re-evaluated & attained yearly after meeting guidestar's standards of excellence.maggie's wigs 4 kids of Michigan continues its advocacy efforts to approach insurance companies about covering the cost of a child's wig like any other prosthetic. The organization pursues legislative support to get a bill passed to secure necessary funding toward providing wigs to meet the children's needs. It was fortunate to be awarded an enhancement grant to help with this initiative.hair donations were received by 66 countries around the world in 2022: 18,533 ponytails were given by generous individuals to be made into wigs for the children of Michigan.