Since its inception in 2004, H.A.T.S has been providing fleece hats for underprivileged or uncared for youth nationally and internationally. The organization particularly values its youth volunteers and aims to inspire and facilitate acts of service in America’s young adults while encouraged all volunteers to build personal relationships despite difference. Our hope is that the nature of this service-learning project will inspire young adults to recognize their talents and use them positively.
In fall of 2008, hats were donated to a second grade class in Ohio. In an area where abused and under-cared for children are common, these hats not only helped to warm the children, but they lifted their spirits. By pulling each student’s name out of a jar, the teacher, Stephanie, invited the child to pick a hat.
“Thank you so much for the hats you donated to my second grade class! Many students at my school are without hats and they loved them. I hope you can tell from the picture how excited they were!” -Stephanie
Along with Stephanie’s note, of the 24 children, each student wrote a note and drew a picture.