Special Hugs Project

[diane {Shawns mom}]

 

hug (h g)

v. hugged, hug·ging, hugs

 

v.tr.

1. To clasp or hold closely, especially in the arms, as in affection; embrace.

2. To hold fast to; CHERISH.

3. To stay close to.

v.intr.

To embrace or cling together closely.

The MAS (Molly's Adopt A Sailor) started to see wounded troops and their information coming our way through the website & the idea of the Special Hugs Project was born.  If there are troops who are wounded or injured, they are in need of encouragement & support, too! 

Every project has a story and here is how we came to form & support Special Hugs:

An Army Chaplain at a Combat Hospital in Afghanistan asked us if we could send some cards and snacks to the wounded in January 2011.  Of course we wanted to support them!  Working with the Chaplain, we developed a plan to send something to remind them of home every month.  We’ve done pancake breakfasts, sent cups of soup and instant oatmeal, provided movie nights, sent pillows, provided the fixings for S’mores, even sent a live Christmas tree, and much, much more over the months that followed.

Then our contacts disappeared ...  We had to find new ones!  And, quickly!  Quickly evaporated ...

BUT, then 2 Massachusetts Navy Moms found a surgeon/emergency medicine physician who had recently returned from A’stan.  They met him for lunch and to chat about Special Hugs.  He was impressed with & proud of what we’re doing.  So, on a leap of faith, he was asked to be our “medical advisor” which he immediately & proudly accepted!  It has taken 7-1/2 long months of very hard work to get a new POC in place.

Special Hugs is very fortunate to have Dr. Jim to help and advise us.  He was the vital link in finding our new POC, LCMR Ron!

Each month (will try) Special Hugs will announce a new “Mission”.  Special Hugs “Missions” will consist of shipping only the items requested, & the monthly mission will change.

Our “We Stitch Love Project” will continue to provide and keep track of the number of pillowcases (the kind stitched with LOVE) for each mission, as needed.  It’s our gift to them. ♥  Patients take them with them once they leave the hospital. So, if you are stitching or decorating pillowcases, please contact [e-mail]. Someone will be in touch.

 

 

SPECIAL HUGS

 Carol received this message below....

Please if you can  help out this month-not to interfere with the monthly adoption & shipping-please do!...

They NEED OUR SUPPORT!!! That is all they ask..So let's do it...JUST DO IT

 

"if we could just help with 1 or 2"..WOW, they do NOT know WHO WE ARE....come MOMs.....get into formation and MOVE it..♥  

 

Molly’s Adopt A Sailor

Special Hugs

September Mission

 

 

September has arrived in the sandbox and with it somewhat cooler weather.

 

Our POC has informed me that they are in desperate need of some pillows.  Whatever we can send will be put to immediate use!!  They will also need twin size blankets (extra long twin, if you can find them).

 

Last month we sent pillowcases for female patients; however, their supply of pillowcases to be given to patients when they leave is depleted, except for females.

 

Since we are sending new pillows and blankets, let’s mix it up a bit by making it a special movie night as well.  They could really use a few newly released movies!!

 

So our mission – should you choose to accept it – is going to be a cozy one!

 

Just picture the scene, patients tucked into their beds with nice new pillows, warm, cozy blankets watching a movie and eating some movie type snacks (popcorn, candy, and jello or pudding cups for those on a soft diet).  Doesn’t it warm your heart?

 

Shipping will take place between October 7 – 10

 

 

. Shipping can be done any day this month but not to interfere with our regular shipping

The addresses for the hospitals are being posted in “We Ship Love” and will be updated as we obtain information from our POCs. 

*link for Special Hugs Labels

*  SHLABELS%5B1%5D.docx 

 

**Peanut butter and jelly (packed separately due to possible allergies)  

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I received this wonderful email this morning. What a great way to start the day! We do make a difference ladies! Keep up the good work!!  I also have pictures so I will see if I can get them on here as well.

Ms. F.

We are so grateful for the awesome care packages, Christmas Tree, and Christmas decorations that you and your organization have sent to us!  Charlie Surgical Company enjoyed a wonderful evening of Christmas cheer and fellowship as we decorated our live Christmas Tree.  Our two patients enjoyed decorating and were able to put the star on top of the tree.  The tree is truly delightful and brings much joy to our Company and our patients.  I am attaching some pictures taken the evening of the tree trimming.  I will probably have to send several emails to include all the photos. Thank you for your continued kindness and prayers. 

Sincerely,

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

[Lorraine]

That's a beautiful tree!

[MomByHeart]

Totally wonderful! Thanks for sharing :)

 

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

If you look very closely, they are wearing the flannel pants that we sent to them last month when it was getting cold and they had none to give the patients to wear!  I love this picture Christmas tree, star on top, our flannel pants keeping them warm and someone's pretty quilts on the wall. Hope it felt a little like home.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

[Susan mom to Niko]

wonderful!!  so happy that the tree made it in time!!  look at those smiles!!

 

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Kim, thank you for sharing the pictures.  I was trying to copy and paste them tonight (no success), but then I found them here!!  Thanks, girl, for helping me out these last 2 months.  <3

[Katze90210 (3/113)]

Kim thanks so much for sharing the email and pictures!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Hi Everyone!

I just received word that our POC Ron will be heading home the end of this week or next.  True to his word, he has a "new him" already on board.  Our new POC is John and he is the Surgical Platoon Commander.  I'm just waiting for a confirmation on numbers, Ron & my idea for the next mission and his mailing addy.

Ron reports that the numbers of patients has dropped significantly with the changes in ground action.  GREAT news!!!  The 2 at FOBs, PYN and SHUK, are running about 4-5.  I didn't get a number for the CRCC

So I am very, very happy to report that Special Hugs won't have that big lag as we did last year.  Thank you Ron!

I hope to have the info this week, just remember we are cutting back on what we send.  We don't want to overload John on our first mission!  :)

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

JANUARY MISSION: Warmth for the body, mind and tummy!

This month our mission is to think warmth!  We will be sending fleece blankets, instant flavored oatmeal, and small items to occupy their minds.  The fleece blankets have already been taken care of by a Mom with a warehouse!  We are only doing Payne and SHUK.  Each has beds for 6 patients to stay plus the trauma treatment area where they are operated on, stabilized and sent on.  So we won't need to send a lot of items.

What we are concentrating on is getting them a good supply of instant flavored oatmeal and any sort of toppings you wish to include.

Things to keep their morale (minds) warm and encouraged - small toys, puzzles, games (board or card).  And, especially, cards and letters!!

We will be sending 16 pillowcases - 8 to each facility, also.

I will ask Diane to post this mission above so it will be much easier to find.

Remember:  Don't mail anything yet.  We have a new POC, but no addy yet.  When I get it I will let you know here and then it will be posted in the usual place.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I can get some oatmeal to send and some games/puzzles. I'll post the pillowcases as soon as this months adoption is covered.