We are often asked what kind of hat do the kids want and need. While our mission is to provide NEW HATS to children, we think that the following critiria should be considered because what is most important is that the child is happy with your donated hat:

1) During and after their treaments, their skin (and where their hair is) is very, very senisitive and is painful to the touch, sooooooo, soft is very good. Felt, and cotton are better materials. Straw, and plastic are not as good. Wool can cause some to ich. Happiness is important.

2) Shape of the hat. Stocking shaped hats are good in that it covers more surface and is most functionable. However, a cowboy (or cowperson) hat is desirable because it is a cowperson hat, or a ball cap is good because it is a ball cap..... So it is ok to have a highly functional or a highly "in" hat. Happiness is important.

Best Hats

Cotton Hat	Polar Fleece	Baseball Hat	Medical	Knitted	Stocking

3) Supply and Demand: The hardest to find and the most in demand is the hats for the 1 to 5 year olds. Hats that are brightly colored, and or have cartoon characters (ie Lisenced Disney, Winny Pooh, Animals, Flowers, etc) are loved by the kids. Happiness is important.

4) Special hats: Having a New hat signed by a famous person is acceptable, however, the card that you attach or enclosed is what makes your hat even more valuable to the child and their parents! If signed by a famous person, please document it on a card for the child.

Hats that should be avoided

Hats that are hard, made of plastic, or straw. (The children's skin is very tender at this time of their treatments. Paper hats are difficult to handle and transport without damaging. Used hats are dangerous, since the children's immune systems have been distroyed. Anyway, the kids desire new ones. Happiness is important.