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)]

Hi Everyone!  I've missed you, but I am back - at least sort of.  Still having problems sitting with my knee bent for more than 15-20 minutes at a time, but I'll get there.

Looks like I've missed out on a lot of things!  I will have to take some time to go back and read all the posts since I signed off back in April.

Kimmy, thanks for sharing the info about Dwyer.  It certainly doesn't sound like a very hospitable place to be does it?  I'm glad that we can have a part in making their lives a bit better.  Wish, like Kim, we could do more for them!  I know I can't wait to be "allowed" to drive wherever and do some shopping.  (I know) be patient, it'll come in time!!!  I've heard that a LOT  :)

So glad to be back with you all.  Talk to you again soon.

[Matt's Mom/Cathy]

I will be mailing my box tomorrow.  I have the flip flops, some DVDs, paperbacks and some magazines that I think they will enjoy.

[Kimmy P]

 Hi Matt's mom, that would be great if you could send flip flops and Dvd's!! If you've mailed you box already..no worries! But the Chappy from Camp Dwyer has asked that we don't send any books or magazines. He said they get so many sent to them that they don't have room for them and end up tossing them in the trash. I've been trying to post a list of items that Dwyer needs and doesn't need, but I haven't been able to connect with Diane to get it posted.

So, here's the list that Dwyer needs and doesn't need. Hopefully we can get it permanently posted at the top of the discussion soon. :-)

 

Camp Dwyer's list of additional needed items you can include anytime with your packages

Men’s Pajama bottoms/scrub bottoms sizes Medium, Large and X-tra Large
Men’s Flip Flops sizes Small, Medium, Large and X-tra Large
Men's boxers sizes medium, large and x-tra large (they mainly need large and xtra large)
Undershirts (like Hanes) and Regular tshirts (ex: with NFL graphics) sizes medium, large and Xtra large
DVDs especially newer released DVDS (original only)
NO MAGAZINES (they have more than they can handle)
NO BOOKS (they have more than they can handle)
Board games
Card games
Hand held games
Word Search/Crossword/Sudoku puzzles
Most Important letters and cards of encouragement

***If you choose to send snacks or toiletries, they will be shared with the hospital personnel. They do not have separate storage for CSH and Personnel snacks and toiletries. They will be stored in the “General” storage area. If you are sending snacks and toiletries, please use the MAS Troop list as a guideline. ♥

[Matt's Mom/Cathy]

Sorry Kimmy but I just got back from the Post Office mailing my box and found your post. The box that I mailed weighed

32 lbs.  Wish I would have known but hopefully they will look at the magazines and use them.  My husband and brother each subscribe to a different magazine that is about WWII airplanes so that would be something different I would think and then some car magazines.

 

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I forgot to tell you that I mailed about a dozen flip flops and a dozen white T shirts last week. I have about 30 or so colored T shirts (all from casinos that I got from a friend at a yard sale and they are brand new) that I will send later if they still need them.

[Kimmy P]

GREAT!!!!! They for sure need tshirts!!! Thank you, Kim!

 

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I will get the T shirts laundered and boxed up and will mail them out next week if that is ok?

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Kim, I never thought of t-shirts from various places.  What fun that could be!!  I'm going to have to be on the look-out from now on.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

Sorry it took me so long but I just got the Tshirts mailed. 30 total in two boxes

On Wednesday, I got a call from my EOD telling me he had been hurt. He is in the sandbox and my heart stopped for a minute! He kept reassuring me that he would be ok and that he still had his fingers and toes. Once the shock somewhat went away and I could think again, I saw those Tshirts and thought, the hospital needs anything that I can give! I don't know which hospital he is at or even if he is still there. (No news is good news) but I will do what I can for them as long as they are there! This one really hit home! We never expect to know anyone there but praise GOD they were there to help my Shannon!

[Kimmy P]

No worries, Kim! I know they will be thrilled to get them!!  Rejoicing with you that Shannon is okay! Praise God!!!  Praying that you hear from Shannon soon and he gets well soon...really soon!!! ♥

 

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

Shannon is back stateside! He sent me pictures of his injuries! OUCH!! He had told me that when they took him into the hospital they covered him with a quilt and when he came out of surgery he asked where his quilt was and they said they had to throw it away because of the blood. He was really bummed but said he had found out who made it and wanted to send her a thank you. He said she must be a great lady like your Navy moms! I agree with that statement!

[Pat L. in IL]

Well, praise the Lord!! Continued prayers that Shannon heals quickly!!