Farmingdale resident Diana Marinaccio has had long hair for as long as she can remember. Nine-year-old Diana, a fourth grader at Old Bethpage Elementary School, has always been a loving and giving girl and often received compliments on her pretty smile and striking long brown hair. Now she will receive extra compliments for doing a good deed. Just in time for the holiday season, this youngster provided a wonderful gift for a child in need.

On Dec. 11, Diana asked her hairdresser to put her waist-length hair in a braid or ponytail and cut off 15 inches. This left her with hair above her shoulder. Diana decided to make this dramatic change in her appearance so that a child who has lost her hair due to a serious medical condition, such as cancer, can use Diana's long hair to make a wig.

Diana and her friends had heard of an organization called "Wigs for Kids," that accepts donations of 12 or more inches of hair. They make a wig from it so that a needy child with hair loss can receive a wig made of human hair free of charge. When Diana heard about this, she immediately knew that she could help. She was a perfect candidate for this donation as her hair was full and long.

Diana admits that although her motivation was to help a child in need, she is looking forward to the months ahead when her hair will be a lot easier to wash and dry.