Bundles of hats

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson
  • 4 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  As a community service project the school-age children from the youth center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., decided to knit hats for the base's "Bundles for Babies" program.

The 9-12-year-old children began making the hats in May 2009, with the instruction and assistance of Carolyn Artis, youth center school-age program assistant.

To make knitting fun and easy, the students used looms which are simple weaving tools made of wood or plastic. Using a wrapping process, knitters place yarn around the pegs of a loom to create rows of knitting. Looms come in a variety of size and shapes, including round, oval and rectangular.

The children presented the hats to William Jenkins, youth center "Bundles for Babies" coordinator. "Bundles for Babies" is an Air Force Aid Society Program designed to provide expectant parents with quality information and resources. The program is open to all active duty members and there is no requirement for participants to be first time parents. Some of the topics covered by the program are Budgeting for Baby, Bringing the Baby Home,
Car Seat Safety and a presentation on nutrition.

Throughout the year, children at the youth center also participate in a variety of other community service projects including Meals-on-Wheels, the Big Sweep and Wii bowling at a nursing home.