Charities may be having a difficult time collecting cash, but there was no shortage of wigs and scarves for one local charity.

The second annual “Scarf Up and Wig-gle” collection drive brought in four times the number of scarves, wigs and accessories that the first campaign was able to raise for cancer patients.

“The final results were absolutely extraordinary,” organizer Nancy Alberts said. “People were overwhelmingly supportive. We had no idea we’d go that far. It’s something that even in today’s economic climate people could help out with.”

The drive celebrated its formal kick-off April 1. Local organizers delivered their last donation to the American Cancer Society recently. A total of 4,506 items were collected.

In 2009, nearly 1,000 items were collected for the effort.

“I think people immediately connected with it on a personal level,” Alberts said. “Everyone has had cancer touch their lives in some way, and to know all these donations stay here in Hampton Roads was important to people, as well.”

All items collected are donated to the American Cancer Society’s “Look good; Feel Better” program.

It is a free, non-medical service for women undergoing cancer treatment to provide makeup tips, skin and nail care and ways to deal with hair loss through the use of wigs, scarves and turbans.

Collections will continue at Lighthouse Pointe in Chesapeake, Talbot on Granby in Norfolk, Olde Towne Art in Portsmouth, One on One Care Salon in Western Branch and Home Sweet Home Care in Smithfield.

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