Twin Cities veteran knits almost 500 hats for needy

A 96-year-old veteran is turning his love of knitting into a way to help others.

Tom Cornish, a Salvation Army volunteer, enjoys knitting winter hats. Over the past year, he’s knitted and donated nearly 500 wool hats to The Salvation Army for those in need.

"I work for the Lord – that’s what it’s all about," Cornish said.

The Champlin resident said he’s been knitting for about 20 years but began doing so regularly about 18 months ago after his wife died. His goal is to knit at least one hat per day, noting that it takes him about four hours per hat.

"Tom is such a remarkable man and he makes the greatest hats for our programs," said Salvation Army warehouse manager Beth Koski, who meets with Tom regularly. "He is always so pleased to give his hats to those in need."

The Salvation Army said it needs more volunteers to help respond to the large increase in demand for services as a result of the pandemic. Anyone interested in helping can find more information and sign up to volunteer online.