Chase the Chill 2021

It all started when…

by Helen Jacoby & Linda Stark

History
This event was started by Susan Huxley in Easton, Pennsylvania in 2008 with the first scarves hung in public places in the fall of 2010.  It originally started as a "scarf bombing" by knitters leaving scarves in public places so those in need could take them without any strings attached.

It has now become a social media movement that inspired me as well as hundreds of folks around the United States and Canada. It has now spread as far away as England and Australia and grown to include hats, mittens, gloves as well as scarves.  I have been doing it, with others, at First Church for a number of years.  I know firsthand that there are folks out there who have to sometimes choose between rent, food, medicine or warmth.  There are folks that fall through the cracks... making more money than is allowed for some agencies to help, yet not enough to support themselves and their families.  This is one way to "pay-it-forward" so to speak.  I also like that in some small way, it allows people a choice and personal dignity by not having to make explanations, and they can pick which item they want rather than just being handed an item.

I would like to thank all of you who have donated hats, scarves, mittens and money over past years.  I invite you to make donations to "Chase the Chill" this year if you are so inclined starting in January and running through February, March or April depending on the weather. 

This Year…

With this year being more COVID–safe, you may either call Linda S. (617) 688-1655 to schedule a pickup of items from your home or you may email Helen to schedule a drop-off.  If you would like to deliver them to her condo complex, either Linda or Helen will meet you at the front door.

Labels will then be added and the items will be put on the iron fence at the front of the church.

If you would like to do this as a project with your kids (if you have them), adding items to the fence yourselves, let Helen know and she will get labels to you or email you the label template.  If you choose to do this, also let Helen know what week you would like to hang the items so it can be scheduled so no one else will hang them at the same time.

 Only hats, scarves, gloves, or mittens please

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of us: Helen or Linda