Red Hat Chatters Bring Friendship and Purpose to St. Joseph Village
Once a month, a group of women at St. Joseph Village (SJV) gathers for lunch wearing bright red hats and even brighter smiles. Known as the Red Hat Chatters, the Assisted Living group has created a tradition that blends friendship, laughter and giving back.
While this gathering is not officially affiliated with the Red Hat Society, it is loosely inspired by the well-known organization that celebrates fun, friendship and vibrant living at every age. At SJV, the Red Hat Chatters have made the idea their own.
Participation varies from month to month, with anywhere from eight to 18 women joining in. The gatherings offer a chance for residents to socialize and enjoy a meal together. But the group’s purpose reaches beyond the lunch table.
At their recent meeting, the women set aside their red hats to pack socks into small bundles for people experiencing homelessness. A few male residents joined in, adding to the fun. The packages will be distributed through Metrocrest Services and other local shelters, providing a simple but essential item. For those involved, it’s a meaningful way to give back.
“We want to create a footprint in our community,” said Katherine Richard, Community Life Manager at SJV. And the Red Hat Chatters are doing just that by proving that small acts can make a big difference beyond the walls of SJV.
