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)]

A thank you from a nurse at the CRCC:

 

Donna,

I am a Navy Trauma Nurse/Paramedic here in Afghanistan, and I am sending you this e-mail in great appreciation for the care packages that you and the Moms have sent to us. There are no words to express to you what a blessing it was to get those packages. I must admit that the pillow cases were an especially nice gift! I wish you could see the looks on everyone’s faces as they went through the boxes. It was fun to watch the Marines and Sailors grab those pillow cases and put them quickly into their pockets, or hang them around their necks while they went through the rest of the boxes. We took the cards you sent and hung them up on our walls so that everyone who comes through here can read them and be reminded that they are cared about! Please pass onto the rest of your group how much we truly appreciate the time and effort that you all have spent in sending us such wonderful gifts!!

Thank you very much!!

Very Respectfully ,

LTJG Jxxx Cxxxx

 

Notice:  the mail was especially mentionned!!  And, of course, the wonderful PCs.  Just a great reminder for all of us to send mail in our packages!

 

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I didn't get the email notice or missed it somewhere that there had been an update to the mission so I thought I would help announce it to those who may also have missed it.

NEW MISSION LADIES!!!

I think trying to get them all Christmas cards is a wonderful thing! If you do a cookie exchange, make a few extra and send those as well. Maybe ask some of the ones tht you exchange with to also add a few and before you know it, you have a box full of treats!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

What a TERRIFIC idea Kim!!  Thank you.

[DramaSoul]

Hi All!! So excited to be able to send things for Chanukah.  Too bad the traditional potato latkes (pancakes) wouldn't travel well.  Got lots of goodies and even a couple of small Menorahs (the candle holder with eight candles and the special one for lighting) that hold birthday candles.  I probably have two boxes with all the lights and decorations.  I just need to be sure I have the right addy for LCDR Ron.  And....THANK YOU DONNA, for giving me the opportunity to do this.  I am tearing up at the thought of our Jewish wounded warriors and staff being able to celebrate the Festival of Lights. HUGS TO YOU, GIRLFRIEND! Lots of healing prayers and thoughts coming your way. ;-)

[Lorraine]

What are the ship dates for this Special Hugs project?

[Paula]

Sorry, when is the ship date for the Holiday Special Hugs?

[Lorraine]

Shipping is Nov 30 thru Dec 3 at the latest. Found the post on the previous page.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

On Black Friday I bought 6 towels at Walmart that were on sale. Today when I went to buy more Christmas cards to send to Special Hugs I walked passed the towels that were left and grabbed 6 more and when I got up to the check out, they were $1 a piece. I paid for them and then went back in and bought 18 more and 24 washcloths for $3. I felt like I had hit the jackpot for Special Hugs!

[Lorraine]

I plan to send a box to each unit for the holiday mission. I have some tea and flavored coffee, lots of candy, some chocolate, gum, etc. I was also able to enlist a few others to help with cards and letters. My boxes will probably go out Saturday.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Hi Everybody!

It is so good to be back with you all again.  I've really missed you - LOTS.  Do you know that hospitals don't allow computers for patients' use??!!  What do they think people are going to do anyway?  Who ever heard of getting rest in a hospital?  May as well let us have access to a computer so we can get things done!

I got an email from Ron today.  He said that the CRCC and SHUK have received their trees,but not Leatherneck nor Payne.  He said Payne is at the "end of the empire, so it might take longers!!"  Hopefully Leatherneck's was simply delivered to CRCC and it will just be a matter of moving it over??!!?

Looks like everything is moving along smoothly here.  Thank you to everyone who pitched in and helped.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers too.  Love you all!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Ornaments and some holiday snacks have arrived.  The trees for Payne and Leatherneck still haven't arrived yet.  Praying they arrive SOON.

[Bluegrass and Bourbon]

Greetings - I received this email this morning - it really made my day and I wanted to share it with everyone.

"I am one of the nurses at the Extended Care Ward here at Leatherneck. We are sub-acute nursing ward that takes care of many concussion, musculo-skeletal injuries, wound care, and post-op appendectomy patients that will eventually return to duty in Afghanistan. We were so excited to receive a box of Goodies from you! Our wounded Sailors, Marines, and Soldiers truly appreciate all the love, prayers, and gifts you have sent us. Being apart from your family is difficult and adding injury or sickness makes it even harder, but things like this help them make it through. Thank you for all of your kindness and prayers. May your holiday be blessed and prayers to your son in Corps School!

Sincerely,

LT Knight-Pongratz and the Extended Care Ward Family

Medical-Surgical Nurse, Extended Care Ward

Charlie Surgical Company