"Something from the heart can heal the human spirit." That's the motto of Hat Box Foundation, a charity founded in 2007 with one mission: to distribute free handmade hats to people with cancer and others in need. Each hat is individually boxed to make the gift extra special. Since its founding, the 501(c)(3) charity has distributed over 2,500 hats in 40 American states.

Hats are distributed to people of all ages, and Hat Box Foundation believes that each hat should be as unique as its recipient. As such, volunteers are encouraged to use any patterns or yarn colors that they wish. Each hat should be long enough to cover the ears. Crocheted hats should be of a tighter stitch to provide maximum coverage for the head. Soft cotton or acrylic yarns, such as Vanna's Choice or Cotton-Ease, are preferred, but any yarn can be used.

This year, Hat Box Foundation is also running their Think Pink campaign. Volunteer-made pink hats will be distributed at breast cancer events to raise awareness. To participate, use any shade of pink to make your adult women's sized hat.

When mailing in a donation, please include your name, contact information, and the yarn care information for your hat. This allows Hat Box Foundation to contact you to confirm that your donation was received. Send hat or yarn donations to the following address:
Hat Box Foundation
3471 Caminito Sierra, #P202
Carlsbad, CA 92009

For more information about Hat Box Foundation, please visit HatBoxFoundation.org.