Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Inc
Helping the Self-Esteem of Children
Learn how to support this organization
Mission
Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan provides wigs and support services to children ages 3 to 18 at no charge throughout the state of Michigan. Our program is available to children experiencing hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, trichotillomania, hydrocephalus, lupus, blood disorders, burn survivors, dog bite survivors, autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, loose anagen, Netherton's, cartilage-hair hypoplasia and telogen effluvium.
Notes from the nonprofit
We greatly appreciate the support of the community which helps us continue our mission of serving the children of Michigan. The Kids Thank You!
Ruling year
2005
Founder & CEO
Maggie Varney
Main address
30130 Harper Ave
St Clair Shores, MI 48082-1642 USA
Formerly known as
Wigs 4 Kids
EIN
20-0374667
NTEE code
Cancer (G30)
IRS filing requirement
This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2023, 2022 and 2021.
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Communication
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
There is no other resource available to provide custom made, age appropriate wigs and support services (classes, social activities, field trips and counseling) to children experiencing hair loss as a result of a medical diagnosis & treatment in Michigan. Through our Wellness Center and the comprehensive programming it provides, we are able to meet this need.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Cuts 4 a Cause Hair Restoration Certfication Program
Each licensed cosmetologist interested in working with Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan is required to submit a resume for review by our board of directors. If accepted each individual commits to a 2-day training session for a total of 16 hours; 8 hours per day. In addition, each trainee must commit to four hours of volunteer time after each training session (to be completed within the month) for a total commitment of 8 hours a month for four months (32 total hours). Training sessions will be run by Maggie Varney, Founder & CEO. Maggie is also a certified hair restoration instructor. The cosmetology training program will teach wig measurement, ordering, cutting and styling. In addition to learning to work with children’s wigs, participants will learn all facets of the organization, including: contact with children and families, community outreach, fundraising and daily operations. Trainees will learn that the program is more than providing a hair replacement system; we also support the psychological, social, physical and emotional healing of our kids. The training sessions will be held at the Wellness Center and Salon located at 30126 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI. Upon completion of the training program each individual will be evaluated and certification will be awarded.
Hair Donation Program
Specifications: 1. We accept 10” minimum hair length (from top to bottom), however longer lengths are appreciated. 2. Hair needs to be clean, and thoroughly dry. Please bundle hair in a ponytail or braid before having it cut. After securing the hair, have it cut ABOVE the rubber band to keep the strands bundled together. Once it has been cut please place in a plastic bag. 3. Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails and then cut. 4. Hair may not be colored, chemically treated (if unsure, ask your stylist), or more than 10% gray. 5. You may pull curly hair straight to measure the minimum 10”. 6. We accept hair from all ages and all countries. 7. Hair that was cut years ago is not usable. 8. Hair swept off the floor is not acceptable. 9. We accept new human or synthetic wigs and extensions. 10. PLEASE NOTE: Anyone may cut your hair as long as the above guidelines are followed.
Adopt-a-Kid Program
Through Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan we provide our kids with a sense of belonging. By participating in our Adopt-a-Kid program; you, your organization, or school can sponsor a child's wig. In return you will receive a certificate of recognition, before and after photos of the child, a thank you letter from them, and most importantly, the gratitude of the child or teen you have so generously helped. For more information and to participate, please 586-772-6656. Our kids are able to receive a new wig every year as needed.
Where we work
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Global
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Michigan (United States)
Awards
WDIV Go For It Award 2024
WDIV Local 4 News
Michiganian of the Year 2009
Detroit Free Press
Macomb County Hall of Fame Inducted Member 2011
Macomb County Hall of Fame
Art Van Hope Award 2011
Art Van Furniture
101 Best & Brightest Wellness Champions 2012
Michigan Business Professionals Association
Top-Rated Nonprofit Award 2012
GreatNonprofits.org
Top-Rated Nonprofit Award 2013
GreatNonprofits.org
Top-Rated Nonprofit Award 2014
GreatNonprofits.org
Community Champions Award 2014
Molina Healthcare
People's Choice Award - Favorite Nonprofit Executive Director 2014
Leadership Macomb
Top Rated Nonprofit Award 2015
Great Non Profits
Top Rated Nonprofit Award 2016
Great Non-profits.org
One Tough Cookie 2016
Girl Scouts of America
Top Rated Nonprofit Award 2017
Great Non-profits.org
Athena Award 2018
Athena Award
Notable Women in Nonprofits 2018
Crain's Detroit Business
Reader's Choice Award Best Charity 2019
Macomb Daily
Most Loved Local Charity 2020
Hulafrog Macomb
Beautification Award 2022
St. Clair Shores Beautification Commission
Reader's Choice Award Best Charity 1st Place 2022
Macomb Daily
Corewell Health Resiliency Award 2023
Troy Chamber of Commerce
Small But Mighty Award 2023
Macomb County
Affiliations & memberships
Michigan Nonprofit Association (Member) 2021
Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of hair donations received per year
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Hair Donation Program
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
We receive hair donations to create custom-made wigs for the children we serve. We are fortunate to receive hair from 62 unique countries around the world. We thank our amazing hair donors!
Number of youth who demonstrate that their school attendance has improved
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Adopt-a-Kid Program
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Many children tend to isolate when hair loss begins. After receiving a wig & services, the kids feel more comfortable being around their peers and returning to school where their academics improve.
Number of youth who demonstrate that they have developed coping skills
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Adopt-a-Kid Program
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan recipients participate in pre, post and satisfaction surveys and rate on a scale of 1 to 5 the increase in coping skills after receiving a wig.
Number of youth who demonstrate that they have developed a strong sense of self
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Adopt-a-Kid Program
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan recipients participate in pre, post and satisfaction surveys and rate on a scale of 1 to 5 the increase in their self-esteem after receiving a wig.
Number of families who report that service and support staff/providers are available and capable of meeting family needs
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Adopt-a-Kid Program
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan recipients participate in pre, post and satisfaction surveys and rate on a scale of 1 to 5 how effective they feel staff & services are.
Number of children to receive wigs and cosmetology services
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Adopt-a-Kid Program
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of community initiatives in which the organization participates
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan participates in events, speaking engagements & fundraisers at local hospitals, churches, schools, civic groups, salons & cosmetology schools.
Number of participants attending course/session/workshop
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
We provide support services including classes, social activities, field trips and counseling (individual, group, family and grief & loss). Wig recipients & their family members participate.
Number of stories successfully placed in the media
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
We do not have an advertising budget. All press & media coverage received is at no charge to our organization through the kindness & generosity of media representatives in the community.
Number of government officials who publicly support the advocacy effort
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
With the help of government legislators wig bills have been introduced in the Michigan Senate & House to encourage insurance companies to cover the cost of wigs for children like any other prosthetic.
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
To provide every Michigan child or teen between the ages of 3 through 18 with a wig and support services as our funding permits.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
We reach out to the community by speaking with schools, churches, civic groups, businesses, foundations, corporations, hospitals and individuals to help garner support for our program. We also host an annual fundraising gala to assist in raising funds that will help us continue our mission. We are actively involved in fundraisers held by third-parties to ensure their success and to raise awareness of Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan in the community. These funds help us to achieve our goal of serving every Michigan child in need. We also work with the 8 hospitals in Michigan that provide pediatric oncology and they refer all of their clients to us to receive a wig and support services.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
We have successfully provided each child or teen in Michigan that has sought our services with a wig and support programming during their time of need. We have also expanded our programming to include classes, social activities, field trips and counseling for the kids and their families to improve the family's wellness as a whole. Our Wellness Center is the only facility in the world where a child may receive a custom-fitted, age appropriate wig at no charge and all of the support services they need as they journey through their health challenges.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
We continue our core mission of providing wigs to the children of Michigan who need them and have never had to turn a child away, thanks to the kindness & generosity of the community.
We develop our support services each year with new offerings of social activities and counseling so that the children and their families always have a fresh resource to assist them during their time of need.
We have worked with state legislators to launch wig bills which would mandate that insurance companies help cover the cost of wigs for children like any other prosthetic. The bills are currently at the insurance policy committee in the Michigan House & Senate and we have launched a petition at www.kidsshouldbecovered.com to encourage supporters to help us pass these bills into law.
Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan completed construction of a permanent brick-and-mortar Wellness Center in June 2020 which allows us to DOUBLE the amount of children we currently serve and continue expanding our programming to include nutrition, a raised therapy garden, fitness, massage therapy, nail care, skin care, and an Enchanted Tea Room.
As of 2021, we have seen children from over 50 different counties in the state of Michigan and served over 5,000 kids since we founded our organization in 2003.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We tell the people who gave us feedback how we acted on their feedback, We ask the people who gave us feedback how well they think we responded
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Inc
Board of directorsas of 5/28/2025
Anne Nicolazzo MEMBER AT LARGE
Lanzen Incorporated
Cheryl Collier VICE CHAIR
Retired from White Castle
Grace Cracchiolo MEMBER AT LARGE
Retired, Family Foundation
Kevin Postill MEMBER AT LARGE
Tropical Smoothie Cafe & MC Shine
Maggie Varney Founder & CEO
Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan
Ron Frederick SECRETARY
St. Clair Shores City Councilman
Sonja Kory-Haio
Schrieber Organization - Globe Life
Stuart Nathan
IPC The Hospitalist Company
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
We do not display disability information for organizations with fewer than 15 staff.
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