Hats to Schools


What it’s like when FPCA’s knitting ministry visits an Allentown school


BY JOYCE GOBRECHT In past years I have made a few hats for First Presbyterian’s hat project. But this year I began knitting in February while on an extended vacation in Florida, and by November I realized that I had made over 60 hats in various sizes and colors. So it was especially exciting for me to visit three different Allentown schools to help the first-grade students select their new hats. I heard so many comments that I want to share with you.


One boy told us it was his first hat. Another said, “Now I don’t have to borrow my dad’s hat.” One child asked if he could choose one for his little sister. Another asked if he could take one for his grandma. It was difficult to say no to someone who showed such caring.


My favorite comment was from a little boy who said, “My sister got a hat last year and she is still wearing it. Now I have my own!” It was great to hear that a child still had her hat a year later. After one boy showed interest in how I had made the hat he chose, I took my yarn and needles to show them a hat in progress. Tey were also impressed to hear that the women of our church had made over 1,000 hats.


As we walked to the classes at Central Elementary, Christa Held, the Community in Schools director, told me that this is her favorite day of the year. She said although the school gets many donations of items for the kids, we’re the only group whose members take time to interact with them. She said it lets the children know that someone loved them enough to actually make a special gift and come give it to them.


Te smiles and hugs told the story. 8


HATS HISTORY


At the start of each winter since 2009, the FPCA knitting ministry has provided handmade hats for elementary school children in the Allentown School District. At first, the project delivered hats to first graders at just one school, Roosevelt Elementary.


The ministry has grown significantly since then, with members and friends of the congregation—along with relatives, co- workers, neighbors, and others—pitching in each year to create 1,000-plus hats that are as unique as they are cozy.


Students at numerous schools now reap this bounty of warmth, and FPCA people associated with the ministry have had the pleasure of visiting classrooms in recent years to distribute these creations personally. This year, Pat Saeger coordinated visits to a record 12 schools, where volunteers delivered about 1,400 hats.


The knitting ministry works on the hat project throughout the year and can always use donations of needles and yarn (preferably washable). To contribute, bring supplies to the church office with a note indicating they’re for the knitting ministry— or do some knitting of your own. For information or to learn more about visiting Allentown schools, contact office@fpcallentown.org.


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