Tina Hutcherson has been a devoted school bus driver for the Putnam City School District in Oklahoma for more than ten years, and her warm-hearted spirit shines bright. At 63 years young, she brings over 50 years of knitting and crocheting experience to the table, showcasing her remarkable talent and passion for crafting.

As a proud mother of four, Tina discovered her love for knitting and crocheting when she was just 12 years old. Recently, her daughter gifted her a delightful new knitting machine, making it even easier for her to create wonderful, cozy items like hats and scarves. The joy of using her new machine inspired her to take on a special project this winter — making sure all her students stay warm.

With her newfound tool, Tina can create a lovely winter hat in just about 30 minutes. Her enthusiasm is infectious, as she exclaimed, "Oh Lord, I’m gonna make every one of them babies on the bus a hat." This demonstrates her genuine desire to ensure that no child feels cold or forgotten while riding with her.

Every day, Tina drives around 100 students, ranging from elementary to high school age, and she has already knitted and distributed 25 hats to her younger elementary schoolers. The heartfelt gratitude from her students is evident, as they have returned with handwritten thank-you notes that reflect their appreciation for their caring bus driver.

Adding an extra touch of joy, Tina allows her students to choose the colors of their hats, and she even makes them reversible! Her enthusiasm for knitting is unyielding, as she states, "I got enough yarn to make any hats I wanna make, and colors. I’ve been stocking up since I was 12." She is ready and eager to provide hats, coats, and even ponchos to any child in need.

In a world where many children face clothing insecurity, with two out of every five lacking adequate clothing, Tina’s mission becomes even more meaningful. She not only aims to keep her students warm but also to wrap them in a blanket of love and care. “I just hope they take away that somebody loves 'em, and that’s all,” she shares.

Tina's compassion extends beyond the bus; she fosters a space where children feel safe and valued, reminding them that they can talk to her about anything. “If they don’t have any love at home, they gonna get on this bus in the morning … they always know they can always talk to me,” she affirms.

Tina has been sharing her knitting journey on Facebook, showcasing hats made not just for her students but also for coworkers and community members. However, the project for her "bus babies" holds a special place in her heart. She expressed her joy by saying, “I’m so happy with my knitting machine for helping me with this project for my good babies on my morning route. I’m hoping they will use them and keep their heads warm for winter.”

In another heartfelt post, she expressed her compassion for families facing challenges: “I’m praying for all the [families] that are having hard times these days. Love is in the air.”

Tina Hutcherson is truly a beacon of kindness in her community, using her love for knitting to create warmth, both physically and emotionally, for the children she cares for every day.