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)  

[lauren]

HI Kim I was wondering if we have had any recent contact with Dwyer to see what their needs are right now?

I know they have enough pillows, but I see that pillow cases are still on the list do you know how many they need?

 

[Kimmy P]

Lauren, Our POC has been on RR. So, I haven't heard of anything else other than what's on the list above. We can send anything from the  "Here is a list of goodies they will need appreciate and enjoy" list at anytime. As for pillows, we did send enough for the entire hospital in February, but they do need pillows to trickle in to replace pillows that have been soiled. But they don't need us to send 40-50 like we did in February. A few pillows here and there would be fine and welcomed.

We don't have an exact count of pillowcases needed each month...but I know they need them each month just like our monthly adoptions. We created the We Stitch Love group so we can keep track of the monthly adoption and Special Hugs pillowcases that are needed. So, anyone wanting to make pillowcases go to the We Stitch Love discussion and let Nancy and Kim Ethan's mom know. I know they could use some help. :-) 

 

 

 

[lauren]

I meant regular pillow cases I know at one time you said they needed pillow cases for hospital. Since I found a web site to get white ones cheap I was wondering if we can find out their need. I know their space is very limited and I don't want to send something that is not needed and will just take up space.

[Kimmy P]

They can use regular pillowcases for the hospital to use. I have not been given a count of how many they need monthly. Our POC said it's hard to give an exact number...just that they need them to trickle in like the pillows for when the others get soiled. 

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Hi Kim, I was just wondering if we have a "July Mission" yet?  I don't think I missed any news about it, but it is always a possibility!!  Thursday my DIL sent me a short video of Samantha Jo giggling and babbling away & I have to admit I've been enjoying it very much.  I never expected the feelings I've been experiencing since becoming a Nana.  I had sort of thought it would be like becoming a Mommy, but that's not the case.  Can't really describe it, but it surely is wonderful.

[HisMom]

why not get the white cases and have a scout group tie dye them to give them pizzaz?  or take them to one of the air shows or carnivals going on and have kids design them for the troups with the fabric markers and such? 

[lauren]

His mom Great ideas I have done a couple of them . I was wondering about the plain everyday ones that they use for the patients. I know they don't want to use the fancy ones for patients beds. I was going to order the plain white ones just so they have extra, thinking they would like white in hospital setting. I've been told their space is so limited that I wanted to send  something that will not be in the way or not get used.

but you are right the kids do a great job with them , and work so seriously at them

 

[lauren]

I'm over at Pepsi just voting away ...I have 5 emails and low and behold ...I logged in and we were 5th..........and we are now 3rd........oh my DD (dumpster dive mommas) DIVE>>>>>>>>WOO HOO

[D~W~G]

Sent out a box with sketch pads and pencils, lanyard making supplies, harmonicas, recorders, choclate (hope it does not melt) jax, cards and dice :)

[Kimmy P]

I stopped in to my local Maurices (my favorite clothing store) to ask them to text in vote and they were so excited to help! They are asking ALL of their customers to text in a vote and giving them a 20% off coupon on one item. Then this morning when I looked on SH's facebook page they posted that they are aslo asking their customers to help with our July Mission!! They're collecting Cup O Noodles and Easy Mac in cups for Dwyer!! I didn't expect that!! But, I am thrilled!!!!

[Cheryl S.]

Hi Ladies. I was just at my local Kroger's and they had Easy Mac, buy 10 and they are 59 cents each. Pretty good deal I thought and figured all Kroger's would have the same deal. Hope so!!

[Kimmy P]

That is a great deal, Cheryl!!! I'll have to check my local Kroger!