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.

[2catsn2sailors]

Very nice thank-you note, Lorraine. They are so appreciative!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Here is a message I received from our POC this am: 

Yes, we can use the earbud and batteries but we already have a fairly stocked shelf of books. Not sure how long this base will be open so maybe she would better serve people by giving them to another base. We are excited for our Easter party and for the upcoming birthday bash. Thank you and the moms for all you do. :)
Have a good morning,
POC K.

Sooooo, Moms, it looks like we could be looking for another place to send our SH to - again!!  Please keep your eyes and ears open for any leads.

[CruAn]

Hmmm .... if they're possibly moving in the near future I'll wait till the next address change.  The less they have to move the better.  Thanks for checking, I appreciate that!

[Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)]

Hey ladies!  Do we have anyone in Kalamazoo?  Let me know and I will message you the story.  We have a situation with a sailor there.  It looks like he's going to be there for a week or so.  I found the post on Open Homes for Traveling Military.

[Lorraine]

I live an hour east of Kalamazoo and used to live there. I know some Blue Star Moms in that area if that would help. My phone is 269-251-0537.

[Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)]

I sent you a friend request with the theme of the problem.  I'll call tomorrow.  What is a good time?  Not sure how much help this sailor will take but maybe a nice hot meal would be enticing!  He accepted restaurant gift certificates from me.

[Lorraine]

I heard from Lucie and she explained what's happening with her son. I will try to find a family to help if he needs to return in May.

[Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)]

Thanks Lorraine!  I thought it would be more productive for you to talk to her directly rather than through me.  I've actually started talking to her son directly to see what I can do from here (Buffalo, NY)  At least I can send a couple gift cards via the internet.

[Sarabi2013]

Two boxes for the BBQ party were sent on the 9th. Enclosed were tablecloths, plates, plastic silverware, cups, cookies, chips, games, magazines, and birthday cards.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I received an this morning! I'm happy my box made it in time :-)

Ms. Kim, 

Thank you so much for the fun Easter care package. We will enjoy the goodies
this upcoming weekend when we have a pancake party/birthday party/Easter
breakfast for our patients and personnel. The colorful eggs and candy will
be festive and bring cheer to our party table. Thank you for supporting us
and our mission. It means a lot to us out here in the AFG deployment. God
bless you and your family and Happy Easter. 

Very Respectfully, 

LT K

[Pat L. in IL]

Okay, I'm on it! Will let you know what I have when I search through my "stash."

BTW, I have a bunch of Mother's day cards too.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Great Pat!  The Mother's Day cards were just a thought that I had after reading her last email.  I just thought it would be so great if we could blitz those 4 Moms with a bunch Mother's Day cards.  Their kids would make their day, but I'm hoping a large pile of cards for each one at breakfast would put a BIG smile on their faces!!!  :)

I wish April's mission for a Memorial Day picnic was a bit different from March's, but I was thinking we can make it different by maybe including some patriotic decorations.  Maybe some baseballs to throw around, pinwheels, bubbles, whatever...

Will have to ask her if they could have access to a freezer - we could send some freezer pops.  Their "first" cold treat of the season?!