A dedicated group of volunteers has made a significant impact at Robbie Hall Parker Elementary School by donating **240 handmade hats** to local students. This initiative, spearheaded by **Sherry Sanzonetta**, has been in motion for seven years, driven by a desire to support children in need.
The journey began when Sanzonetta’s son, **Terry Martin**, a second-grade teacher at the school, sustained a shoulder injury. As she assisted him in the classroom, Sanzonetta observed the challenges many students faced, particularly regarding clothing and warmth. “We noticed, you know, the kids don’t have a whole lot,” Sanzonetta explained, highlighting the motivation behind her charitable efforts.
Having crocheted for **37 years** and with a surplus of scrap yarn from previous projects for nursing homes, Sanzonetta decided to turn her talents toward creating hats for her son’s students. She reached out to friends who shared her passion for crochet, and together they began crafting hats to distribute.
Building a Team of Helpers
Over time, Sanzonetta’s efforts have attracted a small team, including **Sondra Lobeck**, **Mary Ann Lee**, and **Judy Caroll Drumpp**. While they initially met regularly to crochet together, the group now works mostly independently, each contributing their creations. One dedicated friend who does not crochet also supports the initiative by purchasing additional hats and gloves, further enriching the donation.
The hats are typically distributed in **November**, with around **200 hats** given each year at that time. In **November 2024**, Sanzonetta and her team prepared an impressive total of **240 hats**, ensuring that children from kindergarten through third grade, as well as pre-K and special education students, received warm headwear.
Students at Robbie Hall Parker Elementary express their gratitude through heartfelt thank-you notes, showing appreciation for the generosity of Sanzonetta and her friends. “The payoff? Students make their appreciation clear by giving thank-you cards every year,” Sanzonetta noted, reflecting on the joy derived from these interactions.
This initiative exemplifies how community members can come together to make a tangible difference in the lives of local children. With each hat crafted, Sanzonetta and her team not only provide warmth but also foster a sense of care and support within the community, ensuring that no student feels overlooked.
