>> Happy Heads' Original PRESS RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Emily Landsman
Giselle Pelaez, (D.C. CAC) (202) 638-2575
December 16, 2005

LOCAL KNITTERS SHARE TALENTS WITH ABUSED KIDS
Members of Congress Laud Charitable Efforts during Holiday Season; New Initiative Asks Caring Knitters to Warm the Hearts and Ears of Abused Children

Washington DC - This holiday season, the D.C. Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is launching a program to warm the hearts and ears of abused children. The new initiative, which is being lauded by members of Congress, urges local knitters at area yarn shops and bloggers to make winter hats for children served by Safe Shores—The D.C. Children's Advocacy Center, a direct service nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and working directly with child victims of sexual and physical abuse in the District of Columbia.

“When I was the District Attorney of Madison County, Alabama, I saw a need for a new child friendly approach to the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases,” said Congressman Bud Cramer (D-AL-5th), founder of the National Children’s Advocacy Center. “Today, there are over 600 children’s centers across the country. I am proud to be a part of the nationwide network of children’s advocacy centers and to support the thousands of dedicated professionals who work on the front lines to help countless children each year. The D.C.’s Children’s Advocacy Center’s Knitters’ Project is a wonderful idea and something I hope will catch on across the District.”

“I am pleased to support the D.C. Children's Advocacy Center and the work the Center is doing for abused children in the District of Columbia,” noted Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC At-Large). “CAC's project with knitters is a wonderful example of how volunteers can help professionals provide basic necessities to kids who suffer from the scars of abuse."
“Not only will these hats keep these deserving children warm this cold winter, but it will also give them a little extra comfort,” added Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY 2nd). “I applaud all knitters who become involved in this vital effort to help victims of sexual and physical abuse.”

The project began when Emily Landsman, a former Safe Shores employee, decided to approach a local yarn shop about pooling its clientele's talents in order to make hats for the kids. Landsman began making hats for the Safe Shores to give out during the 2003-2004-winter season. The Safe Shores facility maintains a clothing closet for its clients and requires frequent restocking.

“Many of the children who came through the CAC did not have proper winter clothing, and I didn't like knowing that there were cold little ears out there," noted Landsman, an avid crochet fan. “I know that most of the winter clothing the CAC distributes comes from donations, so I thought I'd use my skill to help out.”“People are putting a lot of care and attention into them, which is nice because the kids who get them often don't get a lot of care and attention from anyone,” added Michele Booth Cole, executive director of the D.C. CAC. "The tangible benefit is obvious in that it keeps the kids warm, but the intangible benefit is that it is something that is new and just for them. Those elements can, even in the most horrific situations, lift a child's spirits. Very simple things have a big impact.”

Stores and bloggers participating thus far include Stitch DC, Solitude Yarn, NOVA Knitting Group, and chrisabraham.com. Stores and bloggers interested in joining the program are invited to contact Emily Landsman.

Finished hats should be sent to:

Safe Shores, The DC CAC
Attn: Victim Services Coordinator/Knitted Hats
300 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20001