The St. Baldrick's organization called to me when a couple of South Holland firefighters and a village official sat me down to talk about Victor Villarreal, a 5-year-old cancer patient from Calumet City who wanted to be a firefighter. With tears in their eyes, they told me how they adopted him as one of their own. He lost his fight in Dec. 2009.

Since then, I've had my melon shaved twice, raising a few thousand bucks in Thornton, Ill., where those same firefighters organize their event.

I'm doing it again, and I could use your help.
Here's the 411: The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. Anything you can spare will fuel hope for the parents of infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers.

Since being laid off, I've been working to find a decent journalism job in a lousy economy. In the meantime, I hope the simple gesture of a ridiculous haircut can help make a difference in other people's lives. This isn't for me - I'm asking you to support kids I've never met, like Victor.

Look for the little green box on this page and click "Make a donation" to give online. You can call me or mail a check, too. Whatever makes you comfortable.

I appreciate anything you can spare, and please know in advance that you have my gratitude and appreciation.

~ Rich