A “lucky hunting hat” has evolved into a unique fundraising program to help bring warmth and heat to those less fortunate. The program is called “Hats for Heat,” and it was the brainchild of Vince Reeder and Echo Mitchell.
Vince posted an image of his “lucky hat” online, and the interest from people who saw the image, which included friends, relatives, and strangers, was great, so he decided to sell these hats and use the profits to help those in need in our community stay warm. Incredible community support backing the idea led Vince and Echo to create a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization known today as “HATS FOR HEAT.”
You might ask how someone qualifies for this program. The answer is families that have experienced a tragedy or situation where life has thrown them a “curve ball,” and they are having trouble “getting over the hump.”
Some past examples are people with a death in the family, cancer or other illnesses, no- fault job loss, severe injury, elderly, etc.
The program also aims to focus on those who have served to better our community, e.g., veterans, health care workers, law enforcement, and emergency service personnel.
To nominate someone for help from “Hats for Heat,” please utilize one of the following options: Email: hats4heat@gmail.com, Facebook: Hats for Heat, or phone 570-502-1946.
What information do you need to nominate someone for help?
They need:
– Name
– Address
– Phone number
– Current heating supplier. (Hats For Heat cannot pay past due balances with any heating service provider.)
– And if the applicant has applied for LIHEAP
They request that those in need apply for LIHEAP before applying with Hats for Heat. Hats For Heat is not an emergency service program. They do not receive federal or state funding. All their funding comes from hat and apparel sales and from donations from individuals and businesses. Hats For Heat reserves the right to refuse/deny service to any applicant.
To help with the program, Reeder said people can purchase hats and apparel, and the proceeds from sales go toward heating homes. They accept monetary donations year-round.
This time of year (December and January), they urge businesses and individuals to donate a basket for their basket raffle.
Hats for Heat has partnered with several local organizations and groups to do their good work. These include McCoy Excavating, Jean Services Highland Lake Manor, West Pharmaceutical, Young Men’s Republican Club, Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, many banks, various VFWs, Legions, Rose Valley Sweets and Treats, and so many more. The Loyalsock Hotel is their biggest supporter to date. They donate the space, and the owners and crew work tirelessly to set up and make the fundraiser a success every year. The owners, Evan and Lori Mumma, really embraced the cause and went above and beyond to help. They also donate funds to H4H each year.
The basket raffle is their biggest fundraiser of the year. Last year, they had 204 baskets donated. Again, the profits from the ticket sales go to heating homes. Lastly, people can help by nominating someone in need. If they know of a neighbor in need, reach out to them and let them know so they can try to help. They have an application on their website that people can fill out and submit.
The raffle and fundraiser will be held at the Loyalsock Hotel, 4160 State Route 87, Montoursville on Saturday, January 31st, from 9 a.m.-1:30 a.m., and Sunday, February 1st, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
On Saturday, they will be selling spaghetti and meatball dinners from 11 a.m. until sold out. On Sunday there will be breakfast sandwiches available from 9 a.m.-noon.
The Loyalsock Hotel’s full menu will be available both days, and both days will be non-smoking.
There will also be 50/50s and a DJ, and Izzy Butters will be performing from 1-3 p.m.
“The response has been overwhelmingly amazing. The individuals and businesses in the surrounding communities really took hold of our non-profit and provided incredible support. It makes people feel good to give back to their neighbors in need, and they do a great job of doing so. We couldn’t do it without them,” Vince Reeder told Webb Weekly.
