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)  

[Kimmy P]

 You got it, Cheryl, individual oatmeal packets. The hospital has Styrofoam bowls. They just add hot water and the oatmeal is ready!  :-)

[Cheryl S.]

Kim, do you want us to let you know what we send again?

[Kimmy P]

That would be great, Cheryl! I try to keep track so that we can give our POC an idea of what and how much is on the way. Plus, we can get an idea of what they still need...like if they moms mostly ship cereal...then another mom who hasn't shipped may decide to send oatmeal. :-) 

 

 

[Cheryl S.]

OK then, just boxed up 112 packages of oatmeal and 30 individual boxes and bowls of cereal. Will be out in the mail this week. 

[Kimmy P]

WOWSERSSSSSSSS!!! That's alot of love on it's way!!! Thank you, Cheryl!!

[mn linda (nuke MM ELT Groton CT)]

On my way to the dollar store and Costco and will see what I can find.

[Kimmy P]

You go girl!!!!!!!!

 

[lauren]

FYI Big Lots had 30 pack of granola bars for 4.00

[Kimmy P]

Special Hugs did a little shopping for our heroes! All we need to do is box and ship!! ♥

 

12 boxes of Oatmeal, 10 boxes of Breakfast/Cereal Bars, 5 boxes of Cream Of Wheat and 8 Variety packs of Cereal!!

 

 

[Cheryl S.]

Wowser! Very, very cool!!

[lauren]

I just dropped off 20 pillow cases that the early childhood center wants to decorate for the hospital ..so when they are done will get list of what is needed and fill box from there ok?

 

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I am headed to the post office with a box that has 50 packets of oatmeal, 30 boxes of cereal, 90 cereal bars and 20 cup of soups. I just love being a part of something as great as helping these guys out :)   Hugs to all my Molly Moms!!!