La Grange Park Teen Cuts Hair, Gives Back

Lizzy Garreau, 15, of La Grange Park is nonchalant about her dedication to volunteering in the community.

When talking with the sophomore about her list of charitable undertakings, it's almost as if she's listing off classes she wants to take, or the events of a trip to the movie theatre with friends in downtown La Grange—the pretty ordinary undertakings of a local teen.

But Garreau's achievements are anything but ordinary, even as she downplays them in her humble, youthful voice.

Every two years since she was in second grade, Garreau has cut her hair and donated it to Locks of Love—a charity that provides hairpieces for children under 21 who cannot otherwise afford them.

"My hair has to grow 10 inches [to donate], and it grows that about every two years," Garreau said.

Garreau first cut her locks after her aunt passed away from cancer. Determined to help make a difference in light of her loss, the then second-grader decided to cut her hair and donate it to charity to help kids with cancer.

"I just figured it was a way to help out," Garreau said. "These are kids who can't afford wigs and [Locks of Love] makes wigs especially for children. Most wigs are too big and don't fit well."

In addition to her support of Locks of Love, Garreau also serves on Student Council and in Peer Leaders at LTHS. Each week she also teaches Religious Education classes to kindergarteners at , participates in mission work through Quest—a youth program at St. Francis. All this while holding down a full load of classes, a part-time job at in La Grange and tutoring. Whew.

“She’s a very involved teenager in our program,” agreed Terri Simeoni, youth minister as St. Francis.

Garreau is currently saving a big chunk of her paycheck from Tate’s and tutoring every month to raise funds for a mission trip to Africa she's planning during her senior year of high school as well.

"I save about $200 every month, so by the time I'm a senior I'll have about $4,000," Garreau said.

For Garreau, it's just something she enjoys doing. When working with a youth group like Quest, she said it becomes especially fun, because she can work and hang out with friends at the same time.

"She's known for this in our family," said her mom, Janet. "It's her thing. She's always been giving."

Both mom and daughter said that service work is an important value in their home and is something that is encouraged. For Lizzy, it comes down to doing acts that she herself would be grateful for if she were in the position to need them.

Her mission trip to Africa shows her plans down the road as well.

"I'd love to join the Peace Corps after college," she said matter-of-factly. Getting experience with her trip is the first step toward that.

She plans on continuing her service work throughout her life as well, and hopes to one day to have a career in social work or counseling. In the short-term, Garreau plans to run for an officer position in Student Council next year, possibly for vice president or secretary, to do more for her school and classmates.

“People don’t always give teens the credit they deserve,” Simeoni said. “She’s a great example.”

Here’s to giving credit where credit is due.

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? We'd like to know about it! Send an email to the editor at Matthew@Patch.com to tell us your story.