Optimist Club knits hats for newborns

A total of 131 hats has been distributed to newborn babies at local hospitals, thanks to the Duluth Noon Optimist Club.

The club holds an annual knitting contest in which members split into teams and see how much they can knit over the course of a month.

"Every year the members look forward to this competition and really have fun with it," said Julie Johnson, president of the club. "This is just one of the many projects the Duluth Noon Optimist Club works on and contributes to the community throughout the year."

When the final results were tallied this year, the "Mad Hatters" came out on top with a total of 106 hats. Team member Bill Harlander made 80 of the hats himself. The hats have already been sent to the local hospitals where they will be sent home with newborn babies.

The Duluth Noon Optimist Club meets every Tuesday at the Incline Station from noon to 1 p.m. Anyone interested is welcome to drop in. More information is available online at duluthmnoptimists.org.

1/2: These 131 hats were recently sent to local hospitals where they will be distributed to newborn babies. The Duluth Noon Optimist Club made all of the hats during a month-long competition. (Submitted photo)

2/2: Duluth Noon Optimist Club member Bill Harlander holds the certificate he earned for winning the Duluth Noon Optimist Club's knitting contest individual award. Harlander knitted 80 hats over the course of a month. (Submitted photo)