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)  

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Kim I will have 2 boxes to go at least.  Just waiting for you to let us know what we are sending in August.  I better go back and look in case I missed it in the discussion.

We may have some PCs we could send from the benefit on Sunday.  Could they use some home-made pc's?  Let me know.  I'm getting donations from everywhere on this one.  Quilter's Stash is really coming thru for MAS.  They soooo want to help support the troops!!

[Kimmy P]

I know people have said this before...but I REALLY wish N4M had "like" button!!  Dwyer could use pillowcases! Our POC said they could store around 50 per month for the patients...we don't send that many because we haven't had that many to send. If you send pillowcases be sure to put a note inside to let them know the pillowcases are for the patients. Seeing how Dywer is a larger hospital, Chaplain G. or Debbie aren't the only ones who open the boxes that come in. So, they may get put with "general" donations for everyone like the snacks do. This will help assign the pillowcases to our wounded heroes. ♥

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Just want to double-check, we are talking about the homemade pc's, not plain ones, right??

[Kimmy P]

Yep! The homemade ones...the kind made with love. ♥

 

[Vickie - Rooney's mom]

I have a box of cup of noodles almost ready to go, I'll throw some flip-flops in with them after my weekend shopping trip! 

[Kimmy P]

Sounds good, Vickie!!  Can you let me know how many  flip flops you include in your box. We're trying to keep track of how many pairs we are shipping.Thank you!!! ♥

[D~W~G]

Just saw your update on Facebook! :) I will pick up a dozen or so. :) Send to same Address?

[Kimmy P]

Thank you!!!!!! Yes, D~W~G. We're shipping to the same address. :-) Be sure to give a final count on flip flops and boxes you'll be  shipping. :-)

[phoebe stg2]

Kimmy P, Here is the photo you asked for...Will be sending it off today to Dwyer.

[Kimmy P]

I love these!!! You do such an AWESOME job!! Our moms have talent!!!!

 

[Pat L. in IL]

Phoebe, They are GORGEOUS!!! Many, many thanks!!!

[Kimmy P]

Hi Ladies! Phoebe shipped 30 pillowcases to Dwyer for this month's mission. We can ship 20 more this month. Let me know if you ship any. Once we reach our 50..we'll need to hold the others back until next month or you can send them to MAS' next adoption.  If we ship 50, it will be the first time we have reached our goal of 50!! Wahoooooooooooo!!!