Local Makes Hug Hats for Cancer Patients

By Jackie Schatell

Paula Genna Moccia, an octogenarian, of Florham Park, has been donating Hug Hats to Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center for 12 years. She also donates them to Summit Medical Center, Trinity Hospital in Elizabeth, and wherever else there is a need. All in all, she has donated well over 5,000 Hug Hats to cancer patients.

Hug Hats are decorative hats made out of recycled t-shirt material that are donated to cancer patients who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments. They come in different styles and colors and are washable. Some Hug Hats have embellishments on them like handpainted designs and decorative pins and scarves. They are very comfortable and can be dressed up or down to be worn for all occasions.

Paula says that when she began to volunteer at Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, she noticed that patients in the infusion room always complained about the lack of comfortable head coverings. She had been a children’s clothing designer and decided to use her skills as a designer to solve their problem of finding suitable head coverings. It became her mission. The big problem was deciding what fabric to use as there was no funding to buy fabric.

One spring day where coats were off and people were wearing t-shirts, Paula thought to herself, “People have lots of t-shirts and get rid of them all the time.

What if they donated them and I used the fabric to make the hats?” She went right home and made a pattern, sewed a sample hat, and knew she had found her solution to comfortable, pretty head coverings. Paula called the program, “A Hug for Your Head,” because the hats made the patients feel comfortable and like they were receiving a hug.

During Paula’s career as a children’s clothing designer, she says it was exciting to see her designs in major department stores and in magazine ads, but seeing the Hug Hats on patients has provided her with the biggest sense of accomplishment. “It means the world to me to be able to give back,” she says, adding that making these hats adds purpose and pleasure to her life.

Paula says that the program would not be the success it is without the help of volunteers. Some volunteers sew, while others donate t-shirts, costume jewelry pins, and scarves, and some distribute the Hug Hats to the patients in the infusion rooms. Paula is always looking for people to help her sew. Some hats are sewn by machine, and some are completely hand sewn. To volunteer to sew, request a Hug Hat for a cancer patient, or to donate t-shirts, costume jewelry pins, or scarves, please email Paula at Nanniorig@aol.com.

If you know someone that goes above and beyond, send an email to jackie.subessex@gmail.com

Rose Squared Art Show

The 36th Rose Squared Art Show Verona Park will showcase the original artworks of over 110 fine art and fine crafts exhibitors. The beautiful Essex County Verona Park will be turned into an outdoor art gallery with a wide variety of fabulous art for homae and body. Among the items for purchase will be one-of-a-kind paintings, ceramics, glass, wood, art jewelry and clothing, photography, sculptures, and mixed media. This show is sponsored by the Essex County Department of Parks and Rose Squared Art Shows. There is handicapped parking accessible in the park with handicap placards. There is ample street, and public parking is within walking distance of the event.

The Rose Squared Art Shows has been bringing artistic excellence to New Jersey for over 40 years. Participating artists in a Rose Squared Art Show undergo a rigorous juried selection process and additional vetting to ensure that all curated artwork is original. Rose Squared Art Shows bring artists from across the nation to five unique art and fine craft shows that attract visitors of all ages, including collectors and art buyers searching for signature selections created by icons in the industry and today’s most up-and-coming trendsetters.

May 20-21, 10am-5pm (rain or shine)

Essex County Verona Park, 141 Bloomfield Avenue www.rosesquared.com