About Us
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO:
Hats & Mittens collects and distributes new and gently used hats, mittens, and scarves across the Twin Cities and seven metro counties. We partner with over 200 shelters, schools, and nonprofits—distributing more than 25,000 sets each year. In addition to providing warmth, we offer a children’s curriculum that encourages community giving and teaches the value of philanthropy, from Pre-K through Middle School.
OUR HISTORY:
Hats & Mittens was organized by Rebecca Jorgenson Sundquist in 1996 as a 501c3 as a dual purpose nonprofit: gather and raise thousands of dollars to purchase hats and mittens for local children AND help award a monetary contribution to smaller under the radar metro children’s organization.
However during the celebration of our 25th year, we made the decision that we would invest in Hats & Mittens only, raising funds to purchase warm hats and mittens for the ever growing need in our community. In addition, we collect new and gently used hat and mitten donations year-round and rely heavily on collectors, knitters, crocheters and sewers to help meet the inventory needs each winter. The need has unfortunately become so great, we decided it was best to focus not only on keeping the community warm, but extending this message to our next generation.
In collaboration with Doing Good Together, we developed a children’s curriculum focused on spreading the warmth in the community. Focusing on the next generation, we hope to instill the value of philanthropy… starting as young as Pre-K through Middle School. If you are interested in learning more about this curriculum, please email: rebecca@hatsandmittens.org.
THIS IS OUR 30th YEAR!
This 2025-2026 winter season will be our 30th year of spreading warmth throughout our community. Stay tuned for more information on our 30th celebrations on November 8th, 2025 at Norway House.
OUR VISION
A warmer and more welcoming world for children.
OUR MISSION
At Hats & Mittens, our mission is to warm the bodies and hearts of kids and adults everywhere. That starts by providing free hats and mittens to children in need during the cold winter months.
BOARD MEMBERS
Rebecca Jorgenson Sundquist, Founder
Dwight Bakken
Erin Holmen
Linda Holmen
Kari Hoskin
Charlotte Lefebvre
Rachel Nash
Michael Marks
Chas Scheiderer
Jerry Sundquist
Diana Weddigen