For the past 18 month months I have been on a journey or sorts. It started off as a simple idea when I was 17 to help as many of the #homeless people in #Morristown that I could. I knew I could not end the cycle of poverty nor end their homelessness. However, I knew that I could make some small difference in their lives and hopefully show them that people care. So, I founded a non profit organization, #Emily'sHatsForHopeInitiative. We make winter hats for the homeless and working poor. With the help of social media my idea quickly caught on and as of May 2013 I had 34 global spinoffs of my organization and I recently reached my 8,600th hat. Our goal is to reach our 10,000th hat over the summer, which I am sure we can do.
I was awarded the 2013 Phenomenal Woman Award, the 2013 Caring Student of the Year Award, the 2013 Points of Light Award and am a 2013 Huggable Heroes Semi-Finalist. I also recently received the 2013 Governor's Jefferson Award. I have received letters of recognition from NJ Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, NJ Governor Chris Christie and Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen. Please visit our Facebook page or our website to see newspaper articles, radio & tv interviews that I have been interviewed for. News 12 NJ will be coming to my home this week to interview me about my organization as well. When we get a link to that story I will post it.
We are always looking for people to help us though. If you know how to knit, crochet or loom hats and scarves, we would LOVE to have you join us! If you know someone who is crafty and might like to help us please pass along our information to them. We also accept store bought winter items as well.
Contact info:
Emily's Hats For Hope Initiative
PO Box 2374
Morristown,NJ 07962-2374
Website: http://emilyshatsforhopeinitiative.org/
Email: hats4hopeinitiative@yahoo.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/EmilysHatsForHopeInitiative
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/emilys-hats-for-hope-initiative
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmilysHats4Hope
