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| Judy Lawson has been creating colorful hats to donate each holiday season for three years. Last year her husband, Leonard, began helping her create hundreds of items for local food banks, Toys for Tots, shelters and Head Start programs across the area. News-Tribune photo by Angie Johannsen |
Warm hearts bring warm hats to needy
By ANGIE JOHANNSEN, News-Tribune Editor
Crystal Lake couple finds joy in creating gifts for others
CRYSTAL LAKE - Judy and Leonard Lawson have quite a yarn to tell about the work they do for the needy.
Literally. In fact, the newlywed Crystal Lake couple have bags and bags of yarn in their small apartment they use to create beautiful gifts for people who need a hand up in life.
Throughout the year, the Lawsons make hats for organizations like the Britt Food Bank, Toys for Tots programs in Forest City and Lake Mills, Head Start and the men's and women's shelters in Mason City. Just before the holidays, when most of their items are sent out, the pair really pick up the pace with their looms.
Leonard, who lives on a small disability income, says the work gives him something to fill his days.
“It's fun,” he said. “For me, it's a good pastime when you can't work like you want to.
“I still can't beat my wife in how fast she can make a hat, but when I put on some good ol' Blue Grass music, I can really get to going on them.”
Leonard began making the hats last year for his children and grandchildren under Judy's watchful eye. He broke the yarn hooks making the first hat, but kept going to prove he could make at least one hat.
Pretty soon, one lead to another and so on, leading him to help create the hundreds of hats they donate each year.
He takes a ribbing from his friends about his hobby, but was proud when he went hunting recently and was kept warm by one of his own creations.
Judy began making the hats three years ago when her former husband was chronically ill. His medical bills were over $1 million before he passed away, and she says her church was there to help them out.
“We were so overwhelmed by everyone's generosity that we wanted to give something back, but obviously, we didn't have any money,” said Judy. “I picked up a cheap loom and off I went, making hats for people.
“I believe God led me to this.
“With the grace of God, the world is a wonderful place, and if people just take a good look, there's so much good out there.”
Leonard agrees.
“That's where you find your wealth in life - helping others.
People have been good about helping the Lawsons carry on this mission. Yarn donations come from many unexpected places. Someone left a large bag of yarn once at Cummings in Lake Mills where Judy works nights with a note that read: “To the Hat Lady.” Others have left bags at their home. Judy's sister in Omaha constantly sends boxes of supplies.
“I can't emphasize enough that you don't have to go big to help the next person,” Judy said.
Family members have now taken up the cause. Judy's sister in Crystal Lake, Mardell Hildman, also makes hats and mittens now. She donates items and even puts a box outside her door each year for trick-or-treaters.
“None of us make a job out of it; it's not work to us, it's just a chance to do something good for people and it makes us feel good, too,” Leonard said.
The Lawsons have never sold a hat or scarf, instead keeping to their plan to always donate the items that bring them so much joy back to the community.
“We don't have a lot to give, just love and caring and this is a fun way to do it,” said Judy.
Story created Dec 02, 2008 - 13:35:24 CST.
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