Independence man helps crochet hundreds of hats for babies at Children’s Mercy
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - If you ask Patrick McVey how he started crocheting, he’ll tell you the story is a little complicated.
“When my mom found out a friend or a relative was about to have a little one, she would start on a crochet project,” said McVey. “Usually, a blanket. I never took the time while she was still alive to learn. I didn’t miss it until a young couple at our church has a little one and I realized I didn’t have anything to give them from my family.”
McVey lives at The Fountains at Greenbriar in Independence, Mo. He says he was discussing making things for their families when another resident offered to teach them how to crochet.
A few lessons and some YouTube videos later, and he’s using a loom he found in their craft room.
“I thought to myself I could make her a hat,” said McVey. “So I did. It just dawned on me that I could do this all the time. So, I decided I was going to make a bunch of them and give them to Children’s Mercy for the newborns and the preemies. That’s what got the whole thing started.”
Soon, other residents were learning to crochet and this week, McVey was able to drop off 150 hats they created to Children’s Mercy. In total, they’ve donated 250. His goal: 500. The goal was inspired by Dr. Suess’s children’s book The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.
When asked what he will do when he reaches his goal, McVey said maybe he’ll do another 500. He pointed out they use acrylic yarn because there may be an allergy to natural fibers.
“When I donated the first 100, they told me they would put them all over town,” said McVey. “I have no idea who has them. I would love to be at the grocery store or at the mall one day and see one of my hats on a little one. Every one of them that I create I am thinking about the child that will be getting it and their family. They need all the positive thoughts they can get.”
The idea doesn’t just help families of newborns, it also teaches the residents something new and inspires others.
“We start them out on the smaller loom and once they figure out how it works and what is comfortable for them, they’re able to go on and do whole other projects,” said McVey. “Some of the employees found out what we are doing and now they are doing it too.”
One of the night security guards at The Fountains at Greenbriar was also inspired to start making hats. He donates them through his sister, who works at Children’s Mercy.
Children’s Mercy released a statement to KCTV-5:
“We are so grateful to Patrick for sharing his talent of knitting with our patients. He donated 150 knitted hats of all sizes and said he wanted to give back to Children’s Mercy because he felt all kids deserved something special while in the hospital – such a beautiful and generous gift!”
McVey has a message for the families who have received one of their hats.
“Enjoy them,” said McVey. “Wear them out. Once the baby outgrows the hat, it makes a wonderful koozie.”
There is one other thing he wants you to take away from his story:
“If there is something an elder in your family is doing that you want to learn how to do, take the time or make the time to spend with them to learn how to do it,” said McVey. “You’re generating memories that are priceless both for them and for you.”
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