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MORRISTOWN, NJ — As we approach winter, Morristown will once again be dotted with free scarves, hats, and gloves, signaling the return of the Fiber Fairy, spreading warmth to all.
The beloved Fiber Fairies have announced their return, adorning the Morristown Green with warm winter garments for anyone in need as the cold weather approaches later this winter.
In 2014, three community members founded the Morristown Fiber Fairy to raise awareness of the town’s unhoused population.
They began collecting donations of winter hats and scarves through Facebook, with the intention of placing these items on the statues around the Morristown Green for those experiencing homelessness or struggling with poverty.
In 2018, concerns arose that the project might end when the founding members of the Morristown Fiber Fairies moved to Sussex County. However, community members proposed the idea of creating an online signup form, inviting volunteers to not only donate winter hats and scarves but also help place them on the statues.
This model has been in place since late 2018.
To guarantee that winter gear is always available for those in need, the Fiber Fairy has organized a volunteer schedule, allowing participants to sign up for specific times to visit the Morristown Green and place hats and scarves on the statues.
According to the schedule, they are looking for people scheduled to place fresh winter gear out every week from Nov. 2 through March 29.
“Remember, you must remain anonymous! So, please be sure to wrap your face up in a scarf when you are placing hats and scarves on the statues. Also, please only do this at night so people will not be able to see you as easily,” the Fiber Fairy said.
Winter items can be either handmade or store-bought, as long as they are warm and in good condition. Volunteers are asked to attach a tag to each hat and scarf, reading, “If you need this to help keep you warm, then it is now yours. Courtesy of The Morristown Fiber Fairy.”
The group places hats and scarves on five statues located on or near the Green, including Buddy, the Seeing Eye Dog statue.
The Morristown Fiber Fairy was inspired by a story in the Ottawa Citizen about scarves being left on Canadian hero monuments. In a past interview with Patch, the founding members of the Fiber Fairy shared that they prefer to remain anonymous to keep the focus on the message rather than on themselves.
To learn more or to volunteer, click here.