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)]

I've taken the posts from Lorraine, Gulf Coast Mom, Pat L., Kim, and mlj (Mary) to make a list.  WOW!!!  You ladies are rockin' this mission BIG time!  :)

I won't post the list yet.  Just waiting to see if there are anymore comments/posts to come.  I'm still waiting to shop!  I'll be a last minute Mom I guess.

[carols_kitchen]

We have been serving sunbutter at school for our PBJs.  It's made from roasted sunflower seeds in a totally nut free, tree free factory.  It's quite good, and I will now be looking for it at our organic grocery store, or Trader Joe's if we get over to St. Louis any time soon.

[Gulf Coast Mom]

Donna - I sent you a PM for the address.  All I found was the three for the Sept MAS.  I have my box ready - I am cleaning up the extra bedroom where I have all my "stuff".  Hopefully my sailor son will be home in the next couple weeks and right now his bed is covered with all my bargains.  He is out on a sub so hopefully will hear from him soon.

[Pat L. in IL]

@GulfCoast, Go to "MAS We Ship Love" and click on "View All". Then on the first page click on Special Hugs and you will find it there!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Hi Everybody!  I just realized that no shipping dates were announced.  Sorry.  Let's plan to have the shipping done by Saturday, Oct. 6th.  Does that sound good to everyone?

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

Sounds good to me! I got 20 disposable razors to add to mine.

[MomByHeart]

Just saw this....mine will go out Monday. 

[carols_kitchen]

May have to wait until Tuesday---we've had many church emergencies this week.  PO is closed on Monday for Columbus Day.  So, if your POC asks, yes, there may be a few boxes straggling in.  Walmart had a clearance sale on new razors with 6 blades for $10.  My credit card said ouch. I about passed out when the cashier gave me the total.  But, my financial sacrifice is nothing like our troops real sacrifices.

[Pat L. in IL]

NYPD, My boxes mailed Friday. One box with 8 pairs of flip flops. Second box with 3 towels, body wash, razors, and deodorant.

[Lorraine]

Mailing my box with towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo, and flip flops today.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

Mine went out on Thursday. 10 towels in a parcel box and another box with 20 disposable razors, 2 shaving cream, 4 body wash, 3 deoderant and 1 pair of flip flops.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Thank you everyone for helping with this month's mission.  I imagine our special heroes will enjoy using the products during and after their showers.  Maybe we should pray for them to also have enough hot water to go around so everyone gets a nice hot shower to use their new towels to dry off from!  Love all of them & our POC who does so much to help us out!!