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)]

***  JUST IN CASE, I loose power & you don't hear from me ***

Would someone who has my house phone number please give me a call around the first and let me know how we are doing with everything?  Thank you everybody.

Remember:  Shipping to SHUK (snacks) and the CRCC begins November 5-8th.  Maybe we'll extend it because of the storm?

[Pat L. in IL]

Last night at the packing party at Laura's church, the youth group also collected things for SH!! Haven't had a chance to sort through it. Will be packing this weekend and let you know.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

I saw that posting and the pics from Laura!!  Those teen-agers are amazing.  They really did so much.  Love to see younger people involved and being supportive of military members not much older than them!  <3

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

OK, Ladies -- it is time to get some totals of what we have going to the CRCC and the snack items for SHUK.  Would you please post what you are sending here so I have some idea of what we have?  Then I can begin to shop in earnest - and FAST!!  I don't want to miss my own deadline ... how would that look?!  lol

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I have 12 granola bars, 12 packs of peanuts, 16 cups of pudding, 2 bags of trail mix, 4 bags of cookies and a 29 oz container of coffee for  SHUK. I have 3 boxers (L), 3 flannel pants (2 L, 1 XL) 2 body wash, 2 shaving get, 4 deoderant and 8 disposable razors for CRCC. I'm still looking for the boot laces but my store is sold out right now.

[Lorraine]

My box contains items for CRCC: 2 boxers, 2 bottoms, 4 shirts, 2 large body wash, 14 razors. I hope to find some shaving cream to add to that.

[Pat L. in IL]

Pat reporting in! Shipping on Monday to CRCC:

Flannel pajama pants - 10

Boxers - 20

Flip-flops - 8

That's my story and i'm sticking to it!!!!!!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Thank you Kim, Lorraine & Pat!

Now I know what I'm shopping for!  I think everyone is going to be very, VERY happy with their supplies!  You are all so extremely special to me and most important, SH!

[Katze90210 (3/113)]

Ok I'm going today to get things on the just. What do we still need?I will get them and put in mail tomorrow. Where is the address to mail it too? And do I have to fill out that form too?

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Low on snack items for SHUK are probably #1.  They asked for snack items, men's deodorant and magazines.  Their complete list is at the top of the discussion.  SHUK items are mailed to POC Ron.  Just mark the boxes for SHUK (as long as everything is going there).  The addy is found in the MAS - We SHIP Love group.  If you aren't a member, contact Pat L. in IL and she will give you permission to go in there to get the addy.  The addy is found in the Special Hugs discussion.  I don't know how near the top of the list it is, you may have to click on view all.

The CRCC has a good number of items going to them.  They have grown into a much larger unit with more patients.  I told Ron we likely couldn't provide everything they need this time, but we can always go back to them again and send more.  They went from 12 beds to 68 and are always at nearly 30% occupancy!  Big jump there.  CRCC's list is also at the top of the discussion, they are pretty close to being set on flannel pajama bottoms, bath/hygiene items are still on the low side.

Let me know what you decide to do.  AND, thank you very much.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I need to add something to my box of pillowcases. Would you rather me send body wash (I have 4) or PB or cheese cracker packages?

[valeriejean]

I have a few nascar pillowcases in my stash... do you still need some or should I save them for November's adoption?