By Kristi Spencer
Chase the Chill is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of providing warmth and comfort to anyone who might need it. The project started in Joplin, and its reach has expanded to Neosho, Webb City, McDonald County and Carthage. While it began by distributing scarves, Chase the Chill now provides scarves, gloves and hats to those in need.
Chase the Chill of Southwest Missouri is led by Jessica Tupper Moss, the project coordinator. She became acquainted with Chase the Chill after her grandmother passed away. “I wanted to continue her legacy,” Moss says. Having learned to crochet at the age of four, she found a meaningful way to give back. Moss even offers classes for those who want to participate in the project but need some help with their crochet skills.
Over 600 volunteers, from grandmothers to high school students, contribute to the cause every year. Creators knit, sew and crochet scarves, while others help with distribution. Each piece is tagged with a note that expresses warmth and care.
“There are no requirements or forms to fill out,” Moss explains. “If you need it, take it. If you love it, take it.” The items will be tied to trees, left on park benches and placed on playgrounds around the area, making them easily accessible for those in need.
This year, Chase the Chill is excited to partner with several local businesses that will serve as collection points, including JOMO Moving, which is also helping cover costs for notes, yarn, crochet and knitting needles for those wanting to lend a hand. Moss says, “It’s such a humbling and heartwarming experience to be a part of. There are so many levels of generosity that go into it.”
Chase the Chill will celebrate its 10th anniversary Nov. 9 by joining forces with its original founder, Ann Leach, who now runs Snowflake’s Snack Shack, a volunteer-driven pet food pantry celebrating its fifth year, for the “Bark Away the Blizzard” event. This event will commemorate these milestones and gather items for a new initiative: pet sweaters for our furry friends in need.
If you’re interested in helping out, you can visit the Chase the Chill Facebook page to learn about the specific items needed and how to contribute. The page lists businesses and locations for donations until Dec. 2.
Then, Dec. 7, watch for these colorful and warm winter accessories in and around the area. Remember, it’s a race against time, as the items are typically claimed within 20 to 30 minutes.
Congratulations to Chase the Chill for warming the hearts of the Four States for 10 remarkable years!