Treasure Valley woman collecting hats for chemotherapy patients

A Treasure Valley woman is taking it into her own hands to make the holidays a little brighter for local cancer patients going through chemotherapy. 

Rebecka Basey is collecting new and used hats to donate to Treasure Valley patients.

"Everybody usually has a hat that they can spare!" Rebecka said.

The inspiration behind the hat drive: Rebecka's mom, Loraine, now battling breast cancer for the second time after being cancer free for 27 years.

"Losing my hair, it makes me kind of self-conscious about it," Loraine said, "And a hat just makes me feel better." 

Rebecka started small, just asking friends and family to donate hats not in use, but quickly grew. She started a Facebook page, and even has anAmazon wish list, allowing strangers around the world to donate to the cause, and ship the hats straight to those who need it.

"It can make somebody smile," Rebecka said. "I mean, some people are going through this alone. If a simple hat can brighten up a day or make somebody feel more comfortable walking down the street, to not look out of place, then yeah, it's just as simple as donating a hat!"