Hamptons of Tyler women knit hats for Gateway to Hope

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Women at the Hamptons of Tyler have been knitting hats for those in need since the summertime. Dorotha Tucker and Billie Suggs are just two of the group who have spent hours on the project. They were able to make 53 hats and drop them off to Gateway to Hope in Tyler.

Tucker said she’s been knitting for years.

“Since COVID, the residents don’t get out much. This is kind of, I wanted to help them get out and do something, be proud of themselves,” Tucker said.

Suggs said she didn’t know anything about knitting prior to their project.

“She showed us some that she had done, and it looked complicated, but she was a real good teacher, and I’ve enjoyed it,” Suggs said. “Now I’m making [hats] for my great-grandchildren for Christmas.”

One of Suggs’ favorite parts has been the companionship. She said they get together once a week and stay as long as they want.

“This is the loom, and you just wrap it, and then you take the bottom one over the top til you go all the way around, and that makes one row, and then you wind it again,” Suggs explained. “Then when you get about three or four inches it makes the brim. You double it up and it makes the brim.”

Tucker said it’s a forgiving craft.

“If you make a mistake, nobody but you will ever know where it is, so that makes it easier for them,” she said.

The women delivered hats to Gateway to Hope in Tyler. Manager Walter Merop said getting 50 hats at once is a large donation for them.

“It brightens our day to know people are out there that put this time and effort into making this stuff for people that they’re never going to meet, and may never meet. It’s an awesome thing to get to be a part of that,” Merop said.

Gateway to Hope has seen an increase in daily foot traffic. According to Merop, last year they were helping about 50 people a day; this year it’s closer to 85.

Specific items they need right now include deodorant, razors, blankets, and men and women’s underwear.

Dorotha Tucker and Billie Suggs are just two of the group who have spent hours on the project.

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