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)  

[DramaSoul]

I just found out my nephew's (the Lt Col CRNA in the Army) wife who is a Major and a surgeon in the Army is deployed to A'stan.  I don't know if their hospital is part of this...guessing not since it's the Army. Guess all I am asking is to include her in your prayers.  He wasn't deployed this time (usually they are deployed together).

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Hi DramaSoul!  I'm going to send you a PM rather than take up space here, but we can see about supporting "her" hospital.  Dwyer is an Army CSH & we supported them.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

There will be more info posted within the discussion at the top when Diane gets a few minutes to do it, but for now ...

October’s mission involves SHUK and the CRCC.

                 SHUK needs some snack items – cookies, trail mix, pudding snack cups, and ground coffee; male deodorant; and, current or new magazines.  They also need tan bootlaces (!!) … 72”, any shade of tan either 12 pairs or 24 individual laces (depending on how they are sold).  Replacement boots were sent for patients returning to their units, but “someone” swiped the laces!!!  They have some storage, but we don’t want to load them down with too many items.  NEW INFO:  They have been down-sized to a maximum of 6 patients in the ward, only male patients will be admitted.  (I am waiting to hear back about what kind of coffee makers they have so we will know what type of ground coffee to buy.)

                 CRCC needs bath items (sorry for another mission of bath items, but it is a smaller list) – razors, body wash, deodorant, shaving gel & flip flops.  With the change in weather they have asked for flannel pajama bottoms, long sleeve shirts (ex.: Henley-type or t-shirt) and they need some boxer shorts – M, L, XL in dark colors.  Dark colors provide better coverage” and helps these patients have more dignity and modesty.

NEW INFO:  The CRCC has been expanded from 12 to 68 beds.  Right now it is 30% occupied on a regular basis.  This equals 21-22 patients.  Right now they have no female patients.  We may not be able to provide enough of these clothing items for so many patients, but we can provide a good start & send more later.

 SHIPPING IS PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER 5–8th.

[Lorraine]

Is it OK to shop Goodwill for flannel pajama bottoms and shirts?

[Pat L. in IL]

@Lorraine, ABSOLUTELY!!!!

[Lorraine]

I found 3 pair of flannel bottoms, two pair of boxers, and 4 dark colored long sleeve t-shirts at Goodwill today. So looks like I'll have one box for CRCC for sure. I'll top off my box with a few of the bath items.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Thanks Lorraine!  Sounds like you hit a gold mine at Goodwill!!  The patients will be feeling warm, cozy and LOVED  :)

[Katze90210 (3/113)]

So how do I become a member of Special hug? I would love to help out with donations but don't really sew. So I would like to help out any other way I can!

[Pat L. in IL]

Katze, POOF! You are magically a member!! LOL!!!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Katze, welcome to Special Hugs where Molly Mommas have a chance to send a little something to our special heroes, the wounded.

You don't need to sew for Special Hugs!  Sewing is done in We Stitch Love.  One thing about SH is that you should never feel you need to do some of everything!  The Moms here do what they can.  Remember not everyone will need everything on the list (for the CRCC - stands for Concussion Recovery Care Center) and snacks don't need to be lots, just enough to get them through for a while.

The one thing they can always use are notes and cards of encouragement.  We can never send enough of those items!!

So just pick what you would like to do.  Try to leave a post about what you are sending.  A few of us do our shopping at the last minute to try to pick up items that are still needed.

Hope this helps!

[Gulf Coast Mom]

If you have a Walgreens near you - the Arrid or Arm and Hammer antiperspiant/deodorant is 99cents with the coupon in Sundays ad for up to threee.  I go by one several times a day, so I have gotten 9 so far.  Also - Pert 2in1 shampoo is 99cents if you use the coupon (page 17) in the in-store coupons. I try to stock up when there are sales like this. 

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

This is great to know.  I haven't been out much this week & didn't get a flyer from the store in my Sunday paper.  I'll have to go and check them out.  Oh yes, and sign up for the Walgreen Rewards program.  Don't want to forget that -- lol