When Ellie was diagnosed with leukemia at age five, she started wearing fun hats to cover her hair loss from treatment. Her cheerful hats became a way to lift spirits — her own and others’.
Her teacher, Jay Coakley, was inspired to start Ellie’s Hats to share that same joy with other children in treatment. Since then, Ellie’s Hats has donated thousands of new hats to children’s hospitals and families across the country.
Each hat collected becomes a symbol of kindness and support for a child who’s fighting cancer. These donations help kids feel seen, loved, and encouraged during some of their toughest days.
We provide everything you need to host your hat drive.
Step 1: Reach Out
Email [email protected]
You’ll receive all the info you need to share with your school or workplace, including:
- Details about Ellie’s Hats’ mission
- How hat drives make an impact
- Next steps for hosting your drive
Step 2: Get Your Materials
We’ll make it easy!
You’ll receive:
✅ A custom poster and banner
✅ Printable flyers
✅ Social media templates to spread the word
Everything you need to kick off your drive with ease.
Step 3: Collect Fun, Cozy Hats
🧢 🎩 🎉 Ask your community to donate new, fun hats for kids ages 2–16.
Think bright colors, character themes, and soft materials — hats that bring joy to a child’s day.
(Please no used or worn hats.)
Step 4: Share the Love
Display your banner, share your posts, and encourage students, staff, and customers to join in.
💬 Every hat collected = one more smile for a child fighting cancer.
Let’s fill those bins and hearts this winter!
Give back this winter. Host a Winter Hat Drive at your school, business, or organization.
When Ellie was diagnosed with leukemia at age five, she started wearing fun hats to cover her hair loss from treatment. Her cheerful hats became a way to lift spirits — her own and others’.
Her teacher, Jay Coakley, was inspired to start Ellie’s Hats to share that same joy with other children in treatment. Since then, Ellie’s Hats has donated thousands of new hats to children’s hospitals and families across the country.
