By the Chilliwack Congregation

Specialized winter clothes for those in need have been created by the Chilliwack Congregation’s Craft Night Crew in British Columbia, Canada, for several years. Generally, Canadians call these hats toques. Americans call them beanies. They’re known by other names around the world.

What is a specialized toque? No pom-poms on the top. This was requested by the police, security agencies, and other professionals that work with street people at homeless shelters and women’s transition agencies. The pom-poms are a nuisance when wearing a hoodie.

In winter 2024, more than 200 toques were delivered to agencies in the community, attached to Christmas trees. Police officers and security personnel, while on patrol, handed out the winter wear to those in need as they encountered those individuals on the street. Shelters doled them out in their facilities. Recently, about 450 toques were ready to go.

Police officers and security personnel, while on patrol, handed out the winter wear to those in need as they encountered those individuals on the street.

A new ministry has been added to the toque Christmas trees delivered this year. Socks were used to make the skirt around the trees, and those socks became part of the project. The concept of Socktober was inspired by the “Kid President” introduced as part of our 2024 Reunion Adult Class Material on YouTube.

Further research led to Happysocktober.com, and a perfect pairing with the toques seemed obvious. Agencies had advised that socks were another item in demand.

A Socktober drive was implemented, and our members and the Chilliwack community contributed about 250 pairs of socks to accompany the toques. Our community neighbours also brought in toques and yarn by the bagful this year and last.

The Chilliwack Congregation is indeed blessed to be able to provide this ministry.