The Latin American Youth Center’s AmeriCorps programs participated in a joyful hats making marathon during MLK Service Day at Powell Elementary School, DC.Scores of community members pitched in and helped make more than 300 Happy Hats for hospitalized children in the area.

MLK Service Day and the Happy Hats Project had two main objectives: to build self-esteem for participants by teaching team work and job skills and to provide happy encouragement to gravely ill children.

The hats will be delivered to a local hospital in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to find out which hospital will be the beneficiary.

What is a Happy HAT?
A soft, colorful, adjustable hat that is given to a sick child. It is filled with happy thoughts. It works! Studies show that happy kids heal faster.

How does it work?
A hat is produced through a 12 step assembly line. Participants learn the overall process and each step which helps them increase all kinds of skills.

For more information on how to get involved in LAYC’s Happy Hats project e-mail Karen Brumbaugh to karen@layc-dc.org