By Jeff French Segall
Carol Miseyko is a longtime Upper West Sider who knits hats and scarves to sell, so she can buy more yarn to knit hats and scarves to give away to women who are homeless or refugees seeking asylum on the Upper West Side during the cold months of winter.
Miseyko has spent countless hours knitting and donating her hats for about 12 years, since she retired from her position as a textile buyer in the garment industry. She knits over 200 hats and 50 scarves a year. Recently, she took some of her hats to Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal’s office to distribute to families currently living in the Skyline hotel, at 725 10th Avenue, after being expelled from Southern states for political reasons.
Last week, Miseyko was selling hats outside The Sunshinery, a gift shop owned by Jennifer Simoni at 551 Columbus Avenue between 86th and 87th Streets. She made approximately $700 from the day’s sales, but kept none of the proceeds for herself. She left the unsold hat and scarf sets at The Sunshinery for sale at $100 apiece to any customers wanting to participate in a shared act of generosity by purchasing them.
Miseyko credits Simoni with suggesting that she sell some of the hats rather than ask people for donations. Even after purchasing the sets, a number of buyers added additional contributions.
Hats for the Homeless operates in locations other than the Upper West Side. She has relationships with a number of institutions, including the Bowery Mission, the Midnight Run, Convenant House, New York Cares, Ronald McDonald House, Holy Cross Senior Center, St. Luke’s Food Pantry, and others, all of which distribute the hats free of charge to their clients.
In addition to offering her shop as a location to support the homeless, Simoni invites artists to display their work in The Sunshinery, accepting none of the proceeds from sales. “Part of the reason I opened the store was to do things for the community,” she said. This month, she has invited a local artist, Nicole Cohen, to display her abstract paintings, which are hung surrounded by jewelry and the more standard items that are offered.
Kudos to Miseyko, and to Simoni. For everybody else, there are few things more satisfying than finishing a project with your own hands that you know will help take care of someone in difficulty. Give it a try!
This is a great way to highlight a local business and help the ones who need help.
Will definitely stop at Sunshinery this weekend.
This is a very interesting article about an “unsung hero.” The story, well written and well photographed, shows how a woman uses her talented to help the needy,
I’ve got a lot of knitted hats (and winter coats) to donate to these poor South Americas … I imagine they have no experience of dealing with the kind of freezing weather we experience here in NYC…
Does anyone know who or where I can donate these items to now.. Various institutions, churches and wonderful Linda Rosenthal’s office I think are no longer accepting stuff.
Thank you.
Check with City Council member Daniel O’Donnell:
odonnelld@nyassembly.gov
Thanks so much I’ll be in touch with them!
I saw a posting for Trinity Lutheran Church on 100th St just east of Amsterdam. It said they are accepting donations of clothing Saturday, Nov. 12 from 12-5pm.
I have yarn I can give her. Where should I leave the yarn?
Jennifer said Carol will be back at The Sunshinery on Sunday November 6 from 11:00 to 3:00pm.
Would Carol be willing to give lessons on how to knit hats and scarves to others in order to increase the supply for donations?
Carol invites anyone who wants to donate or speak to her about Hats for the Homeless should write to her at this email address: hfth.nyc@gmail.com
I have yarn and needles. And I would be happy to show you how to knit. I will be in NYC for two weeks starting on Nov 18.
I am inspired. Thank you for a beautiful article
Given how long it takes to knit a hat and scarf $100 is a bargain!
Hats off to Miseyko and to Simoni and all those who use their resources for the Greater Good.
I will make hats. Just send me the pattern.
And mailing address