Senior-run project ‘Hats for the Homeless’ spreading joy and warmth
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- Treeo Senior Living residents deliver 700 pairs of socks to the Seager Memorial Clinic at the Ogden Rescue Mission on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. Pictured from left to right are clinic Executive Director Jarika Mays, Treeo residents JoAnn Taylor and Grace Gabrielsen, and Treeo General Manager Tiffany Shisler.
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- The Lantern House is pictured on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. The homeless shelter is the largest in Ogden, providing the most services.
SOUTH OGDEN — What started out as a craft idea for residents at Treeo Senior Living has turned into an annual act of giving comfort, warmth and compassion to members of the unsheltered community.
Last November, Treeo residents crocheted over 100 winter hats for the Seager Memorial Clinic located inside the Ogden Rescue Mission.
In the winter months following the donation, Treeo staff reported back to residents of all their colorful, crocheted hats being worn around town and the news reportedly fueled a mission among the group.
Treeo Connections Manager Karen Summers said she knew the unique and memorable hats were those made at the facility because residents used whatever yarn they could get their hands on.
“They were going nuts over making these hats ” she said of the project dubbed “Hats for the Homeless.”
With many heads to keep warm during the winter and an ever-dwindling supply of yarn, the retirement community is graciously accepting any yarn donations to help their residents fulfill a need.
According to Summers, while the act of providing those without shelter a warm, fuzzy hat is fulfilling residents’ desire to bring love and joy to those less fortunate. But now, she said residents also want to play a more active role in personally handing them out.
On Wednesday, the men and women responsible for making the hats will hand deliver them along with other warm clothing items to those in need near the Lantern House around 11 a.m.
Summer said her residents are very excited to be helping and engaging with members of the community.
