Providing free costumes to children in need promotes self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The Origins of HAT Packs
HAT Packs was founded in 2016 by Denise “DJ” Schultz and her husband, Tom. The idea for the organization was born out of a desire to provide free costumes to children in need. Schultz, a costume designer and entrepreneur, had previously worked with local charities and had seen firsthand the impact that costumes could have on a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
The Mission of HAT Packs
HAT Packs’ mission is to provide free costumes to children in need, with a focus on those who may not be able to afford them otherwise. The organization’s goal is to promote self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of belonging among its recipients.
Key Principles
The event is free and open to the public, and it’s a great way to get into the Halloween spirit.
The History of HAT Packs
HAT Packs has been around since 2013, and it all started with a simple idea.
The program has grown so much from its first year at the Lehman Church where Schultz said it was like a rummage sale.
The Early Days of the Program
The program, which was initially called “The Lehman Church Community Garden,” was founded in 2011 by a group of passionate gardeners who wanted to create a green space in the heart of the city. The first year was a humble beginning, with a small plot of land at the Lehman Church where the group would gather to share seeds, tools, and knowledge. As the group grew, so did the garden, and by the end of the first year, they had transformed the plot into a thriving community garden.
Key Milestones
The Expansion and Growth
As the program continued to grow, the group began to explore new opportunities for expansion. They started to look for larger plots of land, and eventually found a new location at the Lehman Church’s adjacent property.