SPECIAL HUGS ..... as of 2014

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Finally we are updating our Special Hugs page to reflect our last group of doctors, nurses, corpsmen and staff.  POC John is the one on the far right with the lid on. This update isn't fancy, but it will make it easier to post the monthly mission within the discussion at the top.

A new medical team arrived in January.  Our POC is Kristin, a nurse & the morale officer. Her addy will be posted in the usual place. This team will continue the work with those suffering from traumatic brain injury, serious surgical patients who cannot travel yet and the long term patients who live in the "Wounded Warrior" berthing area - most of them suffering from PTSD.

They arrived with the cold weather & reports are that the pillows and blankets recently sent were being put to great use. Everyone had what they needed. There were many extras so they sent them to several Aide Stations!

Each month Special Hugs (aka SH) will announce a new "Mission." Missions will consist of shipping only the items requested and the mission will change monthly.

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 is our gift to them. <3 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.

 

OUR APRIL MISSION (to arrive in May)

NO YOU ARE NOT SEEING DOUBLE!!

Our mission for April is much like March's mission!  But we had to expect that the mission would revolve around Memorial Day and what is commonly linked with Memorial Day are picnics or cook-outs.

So what they could use from us, are items such as paper products, picnic food (chips, pretzels, corn chips, cupcakes, candy, etc.)

We should probably consider some decorations as well!

Of course, we will need to send birthday cards!!  There are 4 birthdays in May. I'm still waiting to hear #'s of men or women celebrating their special days. 

Shipping can begin anytime during the first 2 weeks of April so that the items reach POC K. before Memorial Day.

Please let me know how many packages you will be sending and what you've included so we can try our best to get what they need.  I can then let Kristin know how many boxes are coming and she can plan accordingly.

So let the exchange of ideas begin!  And the planning start!!

PS:  You may have read my comment on the main page, but there are 4 mothers at the CSH presently.  I thought, if anyone was able or interested, they might want to send 4 Mother's Day cards to Kristin for distribution at the "Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast".  Cards can be put in one envelope and sent to Kristin.

We are not planning to help with the b'fast, but if you wish to contribute anything they can use some pancake mix and syrup.  AGAIN, we are not doing a mission for Mother's Day, it would interfere with the MAS adoption.  This is just an FYI.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Finally we are updating our Special Hugs page to reflect our last group of doctors, nurses, corpsmen and staff.  POC John is the one on the far right with the lid on. This update isn't fancy, but it will make it easier to post the monthly mission within the discussion at the top.

A new medical team arrived in January.  Our POC is Kristin, a nurse & the morale officer. Her addy will be posted in the usual place. This team will continue the work with those suffering from traumatic brain injury, serious surgical patients who cannot travel yet and the long term patients who live in the "Wounded Warrior" berthing area - most of them suffering from PTSD.

They arrived with the cold weather & reports are that the pillows and blankets recently sent were being put to great use. Everyone had what they needed. There were many extras so they sent them to several Aide Stations!

Each month Special Hugs (aka SH) will announce a new "Mission." Missions will consist of shipping only the items requested and the mission will change monthly.

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 is our gift to them. <3 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.

 

OUR FEBRUARY MISSION

Kristen is planning monthly birthday parties to celebrate the special days and she has asked for some help with this project.  March's birthday party will have a St. Patrick's Day theme with Karaoke. They plan to borrow a karaoke machine from someone on the base. They plan to have near beer pong competition.

What they could use from us are any kind of green decorations, green candy, green food coloring.  Also any green theme items would be very much appreciated.'

Of course, we will need to send birthday cards!!

Kristen wondered if there was any way we could send birthday cake? A discussion started on the Molly's Adopt A Sailor mission which can be moved to this discussion now.

They are not asking for much so perhaps we can come up with some other ideas for their party?!  Maybe CDs of Irish music, or DVD movies.

Shipping will be March 1-4.  Please let me know how many packages you will be sending and what you've included so we can try our best to get what they need.  I can then let Kristin know how many boxes are coming and she can plan accordingly.

So let the exchange of ideas begin!  And the planning start!!

[Anna Colleen LaSalle]

Cake in canning jars, pint size, could be done.  Brownies in canning jars could be topped with icing and a candle taped to the side of the jar.  properly baked in sterile, sealed jars and wrapped in bubble wrap for mailing. 

[Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)]

There was discussion of mixing Angel Food cake and any flavor cake in a zip lock.  If they have a microwave that would be one way to go.  My original recipe was 3 tablespoons mix, 2 tablespoons water, 1 minute in the microwave. This gives you a 1/2 mug full of cake.  After this discussion started I tried 3 - 1/8 of cup of mix,  2 - 1/8 cup of water and 2 minutes in the microwave.  This doubles the recipe and fills the mug with cake.  This way they can make a few different kinds of cakes.  They need larger mugs.  I used a 12 oz mug and it ran over a little.  I'm not sure how it work putting more than one mug in the microwave at a time.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

I have a message out to our POC asking about access to microwaves.  Will let everyone know.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

I wonder if you could use a plastic drink cup or Styrofoam mug??  Probably not, they'd likely melt

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I tried the cakes with a styrofoam cup and it worked!! I made chocolate and it was delicious! Only cooking for one minute didn't make it melt and their is no oil involved so it worked great. 

[2catsn2sailors]

I decided to try this and split the mix between a box to my son and a box to his Boot Camp buddy. My son called me today and said he was amazed at how well it turned out.

[2catsn2sailors]

For my daughter's first birthday on her ship, I "shipped" her a birthday cake made of dried fruit. I went to the bulk foods section of the grocery store and put the pieces together in the shape of a cake. She and her friends enjoyed it. I should have plastic-wrapped it a little tighter, but that was before I found out what a military box has to endure. It would probably take a packing party to make a cake large enough for the group. Just thought I would share the idea.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

That's a great idea for a cake!

[2catsn2sailors]

I can send one box with green decorations, candy, and food coloring. I have a bunch of nice birthday cards. What do we write on them?

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

There are only 2 men having b'days in March.  You can just wish them a happy day, wish them well, whatever comes to mind. If you are thinking of writing a note on part of the card - I usually keep the message "homey". What's happening around you - too cold to walk, or snow to the roof (only kidding), your pets, your children (especially mention your sailor, just remember OPSEC).  It is the fact that you took the time to write that means the most. I'm certain that they will appreciate whatever you write.  :)

[Gulf Coast Mom]

Another thought on the cake - would not be a traditional birthday cake though.  You can get the pound cakes at Dollar Tree that are really pretty good.  We could send canned icing and decorations/sprinkles and candles.  I have also done the angel food cake with another cake mix mixed in - it is kinda like a sponge cake but really good.  Another idea - will need to research....Bake a wish makes cakes to send overseas.  I have used them stateside to send me son a cake on three different occasions and was pleased.  Will see what info I can come up with on this and post in couple of days.