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)  

[Lorraine]

I missed that post but I did mark the box for SHUK so I assume they will still get it.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Our POC Ron will take care of it!!  He's been just amazing to work with.  Very organized and all.  He sends out messages to the 3 facilities asking for their "would like to have's for the patients" and, I think, because of his rank he gets fast answers!!!  Then he and I chat about them, he prioritizes who he thinks needs items first and then sends his suggestions back to me.  Usually we agree, but the couple of times we didn't he has always deferred to the SH Moms.

I am so going to miss working with him when he goes home soon.

Oh well, I'm glad for him and he has already worked at setting things in place to continue once he is gone.  So, I'm glad for that.

But not to worry Lorraine!  SHUK will get their items.

[Lorraine]

Thanks!

[Katze90210 (3/113)]

I know have looked in 3 different states for tan boot laces and no luck. Are we even sure they exist? Lol

[MarianneKT's Mom]

I looked on line....this company has them.

Rothco: Genuine Military, Outdoor Survival and Tactical Gear 

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Great job finding this link Marianne!!  I have been looking for tan boot laces too.  Thank you.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Hi Everybody!

I just wanted to let you know that I have to have my left knee replaced on Wednesday, like in 3 days!  I just found out.  So I started the year getting a new right knee and end 2012 with a new left one!

The mission has been sent to Diane to post in the next few days.  I'll check in first thing Wed. AM to see if you have any questions, but for the most part Pat L. in IL will be handling things for me.

Let's aim for a shipping date between Nov. 30 and no later than 12/3 so that things get to them in time for Christmas.

I am going to make a new discussion in MAS - We SHIP Love -- "Special Hugs Contacts for Holiday 2012 ONLY".  These are the ones in charge of receiving the trees, ornaments, etc. so that it will be a surprise to everyone else - sort of 'honorary' Navy Momma elves!!

Kim, are you still planning to send ornaments?  I wasn't able to get as many as I had hoped.

I have a package for each facility with lights and ornaments.  I got a huge donation of some items from a seasonal store, but no tree toppers.  And some totally inappropriate ornaments & lights with pink roses!!  Those I just put in the basement, never know when we might need some lights with pink roses, right??  LOL

And if you have any questions, please contact Pat L. in IL, but she will also check in here to see if anyone needs anything.

So I will talk to you in a few weeks! 

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

Yes ma'am! I'll get a definite count and let you post how many and to where. Prayers for a speedy recovery! Hugs

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Thanks Kim!  I completely forgot that I still have Monday and Tuesday to check in here!!  I think I'm losing my mind, or what is left of it.  I'm so glad my procedure is first thing in the AM - have to be there at 6:15a.  YUCK. But at least I can relax by then because if I've forgotten something it will just be too late.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

haha! I misspoke or typed. I will let you know OR post how many or to where. You don't worry about anything but getting better!

[DramaSoul]

Donna, lots of prayers for you and for all of your caregivers. I was going to PM you but I am on my phone. Got some great Chanukah stuff to send. :-)

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Hi Lauren!  Thanks again for getting some Chanukah items to send.  I messaged our POC and he is absolutely thrilled that we have such a special Mom to take this on.  You are an amazing woman & I'm so proud and happy to know you!!  Talk to you later.