An Alabama teen going into the U.S. Air Force Academy decided to give back this Memorial Day weekend.

Officials say 17-year-old Kieran Moise, of Huntsville, had his first haircut in 6 years and donated the hair to be used for wigs for children battling cancer.

“I’m going into the military and I didn’t want to just cut it off and drop it on the floor. I wanted to give back because there are lots of people that need help,” said Moise.

On his St. Jude Fundraising page, “Kieran’s Curls for Cancer,” Kieran said he wanted to raise $1,000 per inch of his hair. As of Sunday, Moise has raised nearly $20,000.