N.C. Department of Correction--Correction News--September 1997

Hats for Kids Bring Smiles

The bright smiles of children greeted three High Point probation officers who spent the last month collecting caps for the young patients of the cancer clinic at Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem.

Officers Tim McCart, Robert Martin and Owen Strickland delivered boxes filled with more than 600 caps to the hospital’s pediatric oncology unit August 18. The officers handed out florescent pink, yellow and orange caps, while talking to children, parents and hospital staff.

"Do I ever like hats!" Jeremy Holden exclaimed to the officers. "Every time he comes and gets stuck in the spine, he gets a surprise like the caps," said Jeremy’s mother. "He says that makes it just a little easier."

The officers brought 300 caps imprinted with their "Caps for Kids" logo and 300 caps donated by individuals, groups and businesses.

"A race team from Concord sent two boxes of materials including caps, some bright blue flags and stickers," said Intensive Officer Martin. "A number of Winston Cup teams provided caps, some even autographed by their drivers."

When the officers first started collecting the caps, they hoped to gather 300 for the children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy at Brenner Children’s Hospital. After they began talking with companies about their idea, news accounts publicized their effort and flooded their office with caps. So far, they’ve received 3,038 caps.

"I’d worked with children in projects before I joined the department and collecting caps is something that is unique," Surveillance Officer McCart said. "People have been very supportive because we’re dealing with children who are going through a traumatic experience."

The officers plan to contact other North Carolina children’s hospitals and offer the caps they’ve collected. You can reach the officers at (910) 889-7902.

NC DOC Correction News- September 1997
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