On Saturday, the community came together once again to help a Waterloo kindergarten student battling cancer.

A “Shaved Head Challenge” for young Elsa Wiemerslage, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on Oct. 29, was a great success.

Elsa is one of Kevin and Adrienne Wiemerslage’s three young children.

The Zahnow Elementary student, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, was able to attend the beginning of the benefit at Bobeck’s Sports Bar & Grill. It was a packed house — just 15 minutes into the evening it was announced they had reached $1,500 in funds raised. And that amount would be matched.

Elsa’s brother, father and uncle were the first to have their heads shaved. Her grandfather also took part. Hairdressers Christina Latchem, Tanya Lewis and Shelly Grob donated their time to shave the heads.

Clayton McAlister, 11, of Waterloo, also decided to have his head shaved for Elsa. Clayton said he felt compelled to help because his mother is Elsa’s kindergarten teacher.

The first girl to have her head shaved was 11-year-old Jordyn Brewer, who is Elsa’s neighbor. Jordyn’s grandmother, Kathy Brewer, watched with tears in her eyes.

“I’m very, very proud of my granddaughter,” Kathy told the Republic-Times.

Bryce O’Connor and Lauren Jones also assisted at the event, helping to sell various items for the cause. To support Elsa, attendees could purchase orange light bulbs, special T-shirts or bracelets. There was also a 50-50 raffle and silent auction at the event.

Also donating his time for this event was Bill Roedl of 10 Ton Brick Entertainment. A friend of the family, he wanted to help the cause with his expertise.

Those who couldn’t attend Saturday’s benefit can still donate through a GoFundMe account (www.gofundme.com/vj7zw6tt) or by writing checks payable to “HNS Elsa’s Fund” and mailing to: P.O. Box 367, Waterloo, IL 62298.

For more information on how to help, email HNSPhoneLine@gmail.com or call 939-8680. The family and supporters are in the process of planning more fundraisers for Elsa as she continues her cancer fight.