Years ago, when I was a reporter for our local newspaper, I was assigned to write a story about the Upper Valley Haven. This local shelter, education center, and community food shelf had recently moved to a new location so my job was to celebrate their new digs.

Toward the end of my final interview with a staff member, I asked what they could use that never got donated. Her reply was immediate: “Hats.”

It seems that kids in school were not allowed to go out at recess in winter if they did not have hats to wear. Believe me, in Vermont, that makes sense.

Now I knit and crochet so I started making and donating hats to the Haven every year. Eventually, I created my own crochet pattern and I share it here on my website every November (see below).

Only this year, there’s a difference. With the threat of cold and hunger hanging over the heads of way too many people in 2025, I looked for a way to expand my efforts. And I found it with the two women who own and operate one of the newest nonprofits in our valley, Melanie Adsit and Jamie Rosenfield of rePlay Arts.

Melanie tells me that there are stores like rePlay Arts in other locales but there wasn’t one here. The idea behind this magical place is simple: They collect gently used art and craft supplies, manufacturing leftovers, and other no longer needed materials that can be reused for artmaking. These donations are redistributed to the community through arts experiences, education programs, and sales of low- or no-cost art supplies.

Among other supplies, there’s a steady stream of yarn, needles, hooks, and patterns coming in the rePlay Arts door. So we’re connecting this colorful treasure trove with local knitters and crocheters who can, in turn, make warm hats for folks who use the Haven or other local caring institution providing food and shelter for folks in need.

Recycle. Create. Repurpose.

Win win win.

Completed hats can be donated through rePlay Arts any time they are open, starting in December. There’s LOTS of very cool yarn there to use in your projects. Or you are entirely welcome to use your own stash.

Just bear in mind, no matter what you use, the hats need to be wash-and-dryable.

You can knit or crochet anywhere your yarny heart desires, including at rePlay Arts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 to 6 and Saturdays 10 to 4. I’ll be there from time to time so if you see me, please say hello.

Now without further ado, here’s my newly revised Haven Hat pattern for all you crocheters out there. If you are a knitter and have a pattern you’d like to share, please send it along. And if you have pictures of your creations, I am happy to share here.

Here’s the Haven Hat Pattern for you to download: