Escaping the cold Iowa weather is not always the easiest thing to do, especially for those in the Quad Cities who are not fortunate enough to have a place to live. 

Seeking much needed warmth is something some community members struggle with on a daily basis. Fortunately, the gift-giving spirit has not passed along with the holiday season, thanks to members of a Davenport Catholic church, Our Lady of Victory, and students at John F. Kennedy Catholic School. 

As a way to give back to the city, they decided to make 200 scarves and hats and place them near the Davenport Riverfront in LeClaire Park the weekend of Jan. 21. People in the area who needed some warming up were free to take the clothing items. 

The Confirmation Director at Our Lady Victory, Lisa Willows, said, “The scarves were put up in hopes to spread awareness for homelessness in our area and to show that little acts of kindness can go a long way.” The service project was done by eighth-grade confirmation students, along with parents and sponsors. 

Each hat and scarf had a note attached saying, “I am not lost. If you are stuck out in the cold, please take this to keep you warm.” 

This act of paying it forward started in Easton Pennsylvania, in the winter of 2015, when temperatures in the city became unbearable. As the idea spread around the country, an official Facebook page was made for the group titled, “Chase the Chill”. ABC News reported that the group described themselves as “an annual graffiti/yarn bombing event that distributes scarves in public places so that those in need — regardless of income and without any qualifiers — can help themselves.” 

Emily Jepsen, service learning director at Pleasant Valley High School, said, “The project is a great way to show students that giving back and volunteering for our community serves a purpose and helps out a lot of people in need.”