Bus Driver Knits Love Into Every Hat

Tina Hutcherson has been a school bus driver for Putnam City Schools in Oklahoma City since 2013, when she started as a bus monitor before becoming a driver. She now transports over 100 elementary to high school students daily.

Earlier this month, Hutcherson upgraded her knitting machine. After knitting one hat, which took about 30 to 45 minutes, she realized she could make hats for all the students on her bus. The hats are reversible, and the younger children get to choose their favorite colors.

So far, Hutcherson has knitted at least 25 hats for her elementary students. The children were so thrilled with their warm gifts that they made homemade thank-you cards for her. She’s now planning to knit more hats for her middle school students over Thanksgiving break.

Knitting and crocheting are how Hutcherson relaxes at home, keeping her hands busy after long days of driving. But it’s also how she shows care for her students. She sees herself as often the first face these children see each morning, and she wants them to feel loved. “They need love,” she says simply.

🦉 The Heart of It: Miss Tina teaches us that sometimes the best education happens before the school bell even rings. When children learn that adults notice them, care about them, and go out of their way for them, they learn something textbooks can’t teach: they matter. And a child who knows they matter? That child can face anything the day brings.

Source: ABC News