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At 92, His Knit Hats Are Keeping the Homeless Warm—And His Story Will Melt Your Heart

At 92 years old, Morrie Boogaart faces a terminal illness and is confined to his bed, but his determination to help others remains unwavering. Despite battling skin cancer, Boogaart dedicates his time knitting warm, cozy hats for needy people. His small acts of kindness create a significant impact.

Known as “The Hat Man,” Boogaart began his knitting journey in 2001, inspired by his daughter, Karen Lauters. The hobby quickly became a passion, allowing him to spread joy through his knitted creations.

Boogaart told Health Beat, “I knit all day and night, making hats in various colors. I often wake up at night to continue knitting. It brings me great satisfaction.”

To date, Boogaart has crafted and donated over 8,000 hats. His routine involves knitting approximately one hat using a particular hoop every two days. His hat is complete after several hours of work and a few breaks for coffee and rest.

Boogaart’s daughter, Karen, then organizes and delivers the hats to charities like the Salvation Army and Mel Trotter Ministries, distributed to people without homes.

Abbey Sladick, director of communications at Mel Trotter, shared with WZZM13, “A winter hat holds great significance for those we help. Knowing it was made with care adds an extra layer of warmth.”

Boogaart’s story has gained widespread attention, leading to a flood of gifts from around the globe, including heartfelt letters, flowers, and cookies. Yet, Boogaart's favorite gift is yarn—enabling him to continue his mission. A generous donation from Red Heart, a yarn company in Georgia, recently bolstered his supplies.

As of 2014, Michigan had approximately 97,642 homeless individuals. While Boogaart's efforts alone won't solve the issue, they highlight the power of compassion and the positive impact individuals can make. In Detroit, some businesses use arts and crafts to aid people experiencing homelessness through training programs that lead to employment. Additionally, Michigan's Campaign to End Homelessness is making strides in addressing this critical issue.

The count of chronically homeless individuals in Michigan fell from 10,330 in 2014 to 6,675 in 2015. While considerable work remains, the combined efforts of individual contributions and supportive policies and programs are essential in advancing progress.

Morrie Boogaart exemplifies how finding a purpose and giving back can create meaningful change. He believes learning to knit was one of the best experiences of his life, and his contributions demonstrate the profound impact one person can have.

Boogaart’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to acquire new skills and make a difference in the lives of others.

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