PERRYSBURG – Amid the season of giving, non-profit organization, the Victory Center, gave away its 2,000th free wig to a local cancer survivor.

Since the inception of the Wig Bank in 2011, the Victory Center has been giving away free wigs to those losing their hair due to cancer treatment.

A recent increase in demand has resulted in 2022 being the Wig Bank’s busiest year on record.

“You’d never believe it, but our Wig Bank used to be housed in a small closet,” said Executive Director Dianne Barndt. “The much larger space we have now allows us to deliver a salon-style, wig-fitting experience at our satellite office inside the Mercy Health Perrysburg Cancer Center with personalized attention for each client from our wonderful volunteers.”

During any given Wig Bank — held the second and fourth Wednesday and the second Saturday of each month — TVC relies on volunteers who act as greeters, wig-fitters, wig-trimmers and specialists. Most wig fitters are survivors, who share a personal connection with the new wig-wearers.

“The Wig Bank is a safe space where volunteers can share a deeper understanding of the emotional experience. Losing your hair can be a very traumatic and a painful moment in the cancer journey,” said Sandy Witt, volunteer coordinator.

The cost to fully stock the wig bank for a year has risen from $5,000 to over $6,500. A grant from the Roach Family Foundation has helped to offset a large portion of this cost.

The 2,000th wig was given away last month.

The Victory Center was founded in 1996 to support and educate cancer patients and those closest to them by providing programs and services aimed at meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those touched by cancer. For more information, visit www.thevictorycenter.org or call 419-531-7600.