Ellie’s Hats began with a simple mission: to brighten the day of children with cancer. We started by sending care packages filled with hats and small gifts to children and their families—and have now delivered more than 2,000 packages across the country.
Our Story
Inspired by One Child.
Made for Many.
Meeting Families Where They Are
As our support grew, so did our mission. We expanded to help local families who had a child being treated at Inova and WVU Children’s Hospital and were struggling financially. Each month, we send 5 $500 checks to these families. The families are selected by the Social Workers
As of Novemeber 1, 2025, Ellie’s Hats has provided over $760,00 in checks, gift cards, and essential items, computers, laptops, and many other items given to help the families. This support is made possible through the support from many of our generous donors.
Meet the Founder:
Jay Coakley
Jay Coakley was Ellie’s P.E. teacher at Woodburn Elementary School in Falls Church, Virginia. When he noticed how much Ellie loved her “fun and cheery hats,” he organized a hat drive to give her even more. That small act of kindness became the foundation for Ellie’s Hats.
With the help of social media, Jay spread the word—and the movement grew. Thanks to his leadership and the many people who joined in, thousands of children across the country have received hats, care packages, and financial support. Jay retired from teaching and continues to run Ellieshats.
Meet our Inspiration:
Ellie
Ellie is the heart behind our mission. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the spring of 2013. By the time she started kindergarten, she had lost most of her hair and wore hats to school each day—hats that allowed her to express her personality with joy and confidence. Ellie’s love for hats began when she was just a baby, and it never faded. Her spirit continues to inspire everything we do. Ellie completed treatment in July 2015. She is in her Senior year of High School and is doing great. She is very active in the Theater at her school. She was Annie in the School Play in 2024.
How You Can Help
Get Involved
There are a variety of ways you can help make a difference, from volunteering to collecting hats. See opportunities below.
Give
Sponsor a Family
Provide financial relief for a family whose child is battling cancer. Reach out to learn how you can help.
Collect
Hold a Hat Drive
Host a hat drive to collect new hats for children with cancer. We’ll guide you through every step.
Partner
Become a Sponsor
Tap into a vast library of free, beautiful animations or create your own using Adobe After Effects.
Support
Donate
Your gift provides hope, comfort, and financial assistance to families facing childhood cancer.
Join
Volunteer
Join our team at local fundraisers, hat drives, and events to make a direct difference for families.