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)]

Pretty close, Carol!  You only missed one letter.  It is Lake Winnipesaukee.  That is such a great lake, even in winter.  Of course, NH kids learn to spell it - they have to if they live in that zip code!!

DramaSoul, I use "hey" fairly often.  Probably shouldn't, we just used it all the time when we lived in Maine and it is hard to break some habits.  Don't worry I didn't take it as disrespectful.  So many different places and personalities in MAS, no need to worry...  That's the biggest thing I love about MAS!

[carols_kitchen]

Not bad for an old folk, then, huh? 

[valeriejean]

I will be sending a box with the pillowcases and some drink mixes, plus a second box of just candy, snacks and drink mixes if that is ok.... otherwise I can try and repack the pillowcase box to see what else I can fit in there.... and save the candy/snacks for future MAS mailings....  Just let me know which way you would prefer I do it!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

valeriejean, that would be wonderful!  Thank you for helping us get enough snacks to our wounded heroes to enjoy at their Movie Night!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

So ~ last posting re: this mission.  We are sending between 35 & 36 boxes of snacks and movies PLUS 6 boxes of PCs.  Can't wait to hear back from our POC.  Any emails can be posted here, and something mentionned on MAS so people will know to look.

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!  I'm glad to have mission #1 under my belt.  The next mission won't be posted until mid-September.

[DramaSoul]

[Laura]

I just finished packing my box.  It contains 30 bags of microwave popcorn (6 are carmel corn), 12 boxes of theatre size (non-chocolate) candy, and many handfulls of Laffy Taffy, Bottlecaps, and Sweet Tarts used as stuffing. 

 

I know you said that you didn't want to overwhealm the hospitals with boxes.  I don't know what your goal was for this month.  Please let me know if we are short of your goal and I will ship another box.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Laura, thank you soooo much!!!  Your box sounds yummy even before b'fast!  Of course, that is my sweet tooth talking, which I am working desperately to ignore!

Our hope was 40 and we have 41!!  (That includes PCs also.)  So Mission Accomplished!  But only because of all the Moms involved with SH!  I certainly couldn't have done it on my own.

So once again thank you everyone!  BZ's all around.

[DramaSoul]

Donna...I maintain that I have not one sweet tooth but 28 of them. (Had my wisdom teeth removed when I was 19).  I can't keep candy in the house.  It calls to me in the middle of the night!!!

[Denise (Dee)]

Hi Donna - packed up my collection of snacks last night - I have 3 boxes.  I thought I was doing good getting everything into 2 boxes - I will say I was impressed with my self :) :) but then forgot about the individual Dorito's and Funonions snack packs.

Sent one box out today and the other 2 will go out tomorrow.  I can't stop shopping!!

 

Dee

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Thank you Dee!!  Ooooooo, Funonions!  I feel like munching out right now and it is only 10A.  Uh-oh.  Not a good feeling - better head out for a walk or do some exercising ... and FAST.  lol

[navymom3]

I got my 15 pillowcases done and ready to send. Do I need to put some snacks in the box also before I send. My son said a guy at base gave him some magazines and wanted to know if we can send them with my cases. Let me know if I can put them in my box. If not I will hang onto them for future use.