SWAN QUARTER — The Mattamuskeet Senior Center is a hive of creativity. Glue guns, fabric, and paint abound especially this time of year as the Center prepares for its Annual Craft Fair. Over the past several months a small group of women have been crocheting hats, not with the intention to sell but with a mission of warming the hearts and heads of chemo radiation patients in Greenville.

It all started with Gloria Spencer, Hyde County’s Department of Social Services Director.

Last year, Spencer underwent seven weeks of chemo radiation at Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center and Eastern Radiology in Greenville. One chilly evening she walked out of the medical center to the sight of an elderly patient that was clearly cold as she waited for the bus. Spencer immediately handed the woman her own hat and scarf.

After speaking with Spencer about the experience, Hyde County’s Human Resources Director Tammy Blake offered to crochet a few hats. Then, they got the Senior Center involved and the project really took off.

With yarn donated by the Center and some coaching from Blake, the women were soon crocheting hats rapidly with no need for patterns.

“I’ll turn on the TV and just stitch and stitch”, said Barbara O’Neal. Looking down at their handiwork, the women picked up the hats and remembered each creation like they had individual personalities.

On Nov. 5, Spencer delivered the 64 handmade hats to Leo Jenkins and Eastern Radiology where they will be provided to patients in need.

“We don’t realize how something so small can make such a big difference”, she remarked, looking at the beautiful gifts.

The crafty women to applaud for the crocheted hats include Rosemary Williams of Swan Quarter, Barbara O’Neal of Engelhard, Pinkie Mann of Engelhard, and Blake of Belhaven, with donations by Lou Ann Gaskins of Washington.

Mattamuskeet Senior Center is located at 160 Juniper Bay Rd, Swan Quarter. To make donations or learn more about services provided, please contact Darlene Berry by phone at (252) 926-1956 or email dberry@hydecountync.gov.