Forks Librarian, Community Volunteers Warm Hearts with Handmade Hats

January 30, 2025 1:30 am
Submitted photo Cathy Johnson (left) and her mother, Frances Blakely (center), join Forks Elementary School students as they proudly wear the hats they designed. The students, who are now 3rd graders in Mrs. Haag’s class, were recently invited to the FES library to see their creations brought to life and receive their handmade hats.
Submitted photo Cathy Johnson (left) and her mother, Frances Blakely (center), join Forks Elementary School students as they proudly wear the hats they designed. The students, who are now 3rd graders in Mrs. Haag’s class, were recently invited to the FES library to see their creations brought to life and receive their handmade hats.

Last spring, Forks Elementary School Librarian Cathy Johnson read the book “The Little Green Jacket” to second graders, sparking a lesson about giving.

The story, which highlights the journey of a donated jacket and how it helps others, inspired the students to think about how they could make a difference for kids in need. That inspiration turned into an extraordinary project.

After discussing how donated clothing can help children in shelters, Johnson gave students a task: coloring patterns for stocking caps. Each hat design had unique stripe patterns, and the students followed guidelines, such as using only one color per stripe. But Johnson wasn’t finished; she had a plan to turn their designs into real hats.

Over the summer, she enlisted the help of a number of talented community members to crochet or knit hats based on the students’ designs. Among the volunteers was Johnson’s mother, Frances Blakely, a lifelong crocheter who took on the challenge with enthusiasm.

Armed with yarn provided by her daughter, Blakely created more than 70 hats. Other volunteers included Linda Offut, Kelly Sasticum, Shawna Rondeau, Autumn Parks, and Meg Rasmussen, all of whom contributed their time and skills to bring the project to life.

Last week, the students—now third graders—saw their hats for the first time. Frances Blakely, 86, joined the library visit to hand out the hats alongside her daughter.

“When they saw my mom, one student asked, ‘How old is that girl over there?’” Johnson shared with a laugh. “I said, ‘I’ll let her tell you, but I’m sure she loves being called a girl!’”

The students were thrilled to see their designs transformed into real hats, each one a colorful and real reminder of their creativity and the power of giving. Every student was allowed to keep their hat, and extras will be donated to children in need, just like in the story that started it all.

“I’m so appreciative of the amazing, talented ladies who helped with this project,” Johnson said. “Seeing the kids’ faces light up made it all worthwhile. Man, I love my job!”