It's hats-on for kids undergoing chemo

A hat tree, for when it is really needed.

A favorite Optimist Club cause is to help support children who are diagnosed with cancer and their families. On a national level, the Optimist International Foundation collects donations for childhood cancer research at Johns Hopkins University, but at the local level the projects vary, often driven by a need expressed by a child, family or local hospital or support group.

Some Optimist Clubs raise money for travel so that a parent can accompany their child to long-term treatment, others give parties or gifts to raise spirits. The ideas and needs are great and Optimist Clubs love to fill in where they can.

I was quite touched by the simplicity of the project that I came across today on Twitter when Lee Memorial Health System shared this photo: a hat tree.  The accompanying update from @Lee_Memorial was "Originally donated by the Optimist Club of San Carlos Park, here's our hat tree for kids undergoing chemo." 

Giving the hat tree is just the beginning of this practical project. Replenishing it is just as important.  What a wonderful idea for a club that wants to get involved with the Optimist International Childhood Campaign right at home.

Lee Memorial Health System is in Lee County, Florida. The San Carlos Park Optimist Club has been serving the Lee County community since 1987 by supporting community festivals and sports programs, scholarship programs, oratorical and essay contests and other programs that help children live up to their full potential. 

Photo credit: Lee Memorial Thanks for sharing the story.