In August 2014 our Lao Country Director, Barbara Shimoda, embarked on a mission to provide the children in the remote, mountainous areas of Laos warm hats as temperatures in the northern provinces approach freezing during the cold, windy winter months.

A group of Give Children A Choice supporters in Vientiane wanted to knit hats for our preschool children. The activity evolved into a burgeoning outpouring of knitters and crocheters from around the world. In 2014, a 300-hat goal ballooned into 1700 hats being delivered to preschools and primary schools in Xieng Khouang Province and Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang hospitals.

Global HeartFelt Hatter knitters are welcome to join the visits to our preschools to distribute the hats.

Barbara started a group on Facebook, Global HeartFelt Hatters, and people from all over the world are getting involved. There are weekly get-togethers in Vientiane for people there who are participating. And many others from areas scattered out across the globe are also participating. Many are sharing their talents on the group page with ideas, patterns and pictures of their amazing creations. Check out the group page and join us on our mission: Global Heartfelt Hatters  Recruit your family and friends, approach your church and local community groups and get them involved as well.

If you cannot help with knitting, crocheting or looming a hat or scarf then we have another opportunity for you to help. We also need donations to get the items made all over the world to Laos and to the children in Xieng Khouang Province. You can make a donation of any size via the Donate link.

If you are traveling to Laos in the near future and are willing to carry some hats and scarves with you to Vientiane please send us an email: info@givechildrenachoice.org

Read about how the Global Heartfelt Hatters are making a difference here.