A project born of compassion

PARKS -- Chelsea Tecker didn't lose her hair when she was treated for a brain tumor 6 1/2 years ago, but her heart went out to other children who did lose their locks to medical treatment.

Now, combining that compassion with her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Chelsea plans to make hats and caps to warm the heads -- and hearts -- of children facing winter weather without the insulation of their own hair.

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The first part of Chelsea's Gold Award project will be a "Hats for Kids" weekend at her family's ranch Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7 and 8. She is inviting people who know how to knit or crochet -- or anyone who wants to learn -- to spend one day or two making hats for kids.

Instructors will teach knitting and crocheting, and how to use a knitting loom.

The event will take place at the Tecker family's Prairie Bell Bed and Breakfast, 13 miles west of Benkelman near Parks, on Highway 34 between Benkelman and Haigler. People can come for one day or two: Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Call (308) 423-2995 or (308) 423-