This winter, McLean’s library is inviting students to join a creative service project that blends crafting with community service. Starting on Dec. 2, students will be able to use hat looms to make warm winter hats for local children in need. The hats will be donated through Food for Neighbors, a local charity that distributes essential items to families in the area.
The library aims to create at least 50 hats, with a stretch goal of 100. To make this possible, they have set up eight looms for students to use during after-school crafting sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Student volunteers looking to contribute from home can also pick up free yarn from the library, but they must purchase their own looms and return the completed hat for service hours.
“It’s not hard and this is something that anyone can do,” head librarian Lisa Koch said.
This crafting initiative is part of the library’s “Highlanders Give Back” program, which encourages service through creative projects. Earlier this year, students made handmade potholders for families at local food pantries. Crafting projects like these provide a unique way for students to help those in need while also learning a new skill.
“It feels really good to just be able to make something, and it’s not something that we get to do that often,” librarian Morgan Popma said. “I mean, once you know how to make a hat and you’re willing to go out and buy your own yarn, you can make Christmas presents or birthday presents.”
Beyond helping the community, the project also offers personal benefits to participants. Crafting reduces stress and increases focus by engaging the brain in a relaxing activity while also affording busy students a much needed break.
“It becomes a more of a longer term benefit to yourself, along with the potential additional benefit of being able to give back,” Popma said.
Students interested in participating can stop by the library or email the staff for more information.
“[The hats] are going to K-12 kids,” Koch said. “We’re going to work within our local schools and see where they’re needed most. It just feels good to help others.”