Happy Hats For Kids in Hospitals

Happy Hats? How about «Sad Hats»? We gave this organization 3 chances to work with our sons and daughters who wanted to give back to the community, and were rejected.
I’m appalled at the conversation I had with this non-profit’s Founder, who stated employable adults and teens with disabilities were not qualified to donate their hats because «we are a quality organization». Oh really? Quality organizations I work with across the country don’t discriminate against the disabled.
She went on to state that the disabled folks they «allow» to work on the hats with the Torrance School District are «only allowed to sprinkle glitter on glue» because that is all they are capable of doing. Oh really? My son with a autism has been employed for almost 3 years working in a restaurant. He and his friends run circles every day around most «typical» teens who apparently are «qualified» to donate your hats.
By the way, when you refer to people with disabilities over and over as «them», you de-​humanize individuals as unique. Each person with a disability is as different and unique, with skills and abilities, same as you and I. You may benefit from Disability Awareness training. I’d be «Happy» to refer you to a resource if you’d like to learn more about the real disability world.
Meantime, shame on you. I work with nonprofits and advocacy groups around the country, and I can assure you that your organization will not be recommended.
*My one star was required. Otherwise I’d give them a –minus star rating.

This non-​profit is a great organization that benefits hospitalized children with cancer and other devastating illnesses. After visiting the Happy Hats for Kids booth at a local street fair, I began volunteering soon afterward. The office personnel are friendly and helpful, and gave me meaningful work to do. They just launched a new website,
, where you can make a donation, or buy one of the felt hats for yourself or to give as a gift. Happy Hats for Kids has done events with 35 hospitals, and has helped over 750,000 kids since its founding in 1991. Please check out the website and do what you can to help this worthy cause!