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)  

[Molly Molly Fo Folly]

Vickie I was thinking about looking at a place that does resterant sales ---see if I can get some of those knds Mc/Donalds has !!!    (oh and BTW have you heard from Susan ??  lol lol Diane did ---but I have not yet ) 

[Vickie - Rooney's mom]

No, haven't heard from her.  E-mailed her this weekend but no reply yet.

[Kimmy P]

Vicki, I've not seen the small syrups. I wonder if Sam's or Costco would have them?

[Chief88]

I sent over paks to Dwyer 3 weeks ago as anyone heard if any of the things have gotten there? Love the photo of the group. I still have more to send but have to save up right now to get together the money for shipping. 

Don't forget the suryp!!!

[YMM (Ship 12 Div 98)]

I clicked on the "We Ship Love" link above. There is nothing there other than the heading. I asked to join the group, so I hope once that goes through, I'll be able to get the address for Dwyer. Thank you for all the work you do!

[Kimmy P]

YMM,

Once you are accepted  to the room, you'll be able to get the info you need. :-) Thank you for joing us!!! You've come to the right place to send love and hugs to our wounded soliders.

 

Kimmy

[Pat L. in IL]

You're approved!!! Welcome!!!

[Kimmy P]

Okay Ladies,

I sent an email to the Chappy at Dwyer to see if the need pancake mix in bulk or small (like the shake and pour) or individual syrups. I wanted to make sure we are providing them with what they need best. 

Chappy just made things simpler for us...not that we mind hunting down what they need. We'd go to the end of the earth to try and find what they need. :-)

 

Hi Kim, we've been using the boxes that need only water.  If the shake and pour containers have as much mix, that would be great.  If not, bulk is what we're looking for...the pancake days are a huge hit.  The larger containers of syrup are best as well.

And we've designated a new MWR Officer as well.  She is copied on this email and will be getting in touch with you.  Of course, feel free to email me anytime as well.

Thanks again for everything you all do for our Heroes.

Blessings,
Chaplain G.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I bought a couple boxes yesterday and a strawberry and blueberry syrup. I will go back now knowing that we can buy in bulk. It's what I do best! haha

[Kimmy P]

It does make it easier knowing excaly what they need (size wise). I just saw large bags of Krusteaz pancake mix for $6.87 at Sam's the other day and wondered if they would be to big and decided not to buy it. Have fun shopping!!!

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I bought a 10# bag at Sam's today and will get it in the mail this week.

[Vickie - Rooney's mom]

I have about 10 boxes of both regular and bluberry - water only- mix that I will get in the mail this week.  I will try to get to Costco to see if I can find some big boxes.