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)]

ANNOUNCING OUR JULY MISSION:

 

While we wait for the new shipping addy - we are going to go back to Wounded Warrior / Extended Care connected with Camp Leatherneck and take special care of our female patients.  Items to consider are female hygiene and grooming items; hair clips / elastics; manicure/pedicure items; shampoo/conditioners & body wash with nice, mild fragrances;  magazines specific for women; female t-shirts and/or scrub pants or shorts (remember no elastic waists, they need to be easy on and off for the staff).  But I think you get the idea!  Let's have fun with this mission ... Let's think "girly" for them!  At least while they are recovering we can help them enjoy being females.

[Pat L. in IL]

YIPPEEEEEE!!!! Scrub pants!!!! Oh baby, I've got  a BUNCH!!!!! 

[Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)]

Brad's deals has 24 Colgate Total toothpaste, .75 oz tubes for $9.99.  Here's the link.  Only good today

http://www.bradsdeals.com/deals/colgate-total-advanced-24pk-10-p136...

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Just looking at my email, finally.  I've been to PA for a family reunion with my sisters & brothers, spouses, kids, grandkids & now I'm in NY just loving on my granddaughter.  I just love that little girl soooo much.

Good news is that I received the shipping addy for our new POC Rannie.  It is a bit harder to communicate with a 2 yr. old darling who wants to be with you, so I'll update everything when I get home.

We are a go and full steam ahead for taking care of our female patients at WWU/ECU!!

Kim, we will need 25 female pillowcases.  Is that doable?  Just wondering.

Lots to tell you, but it'll have to wait until later.  Love you all!

 

[Pat L. in IL]

NYPD, Okay, really good news!! I have the 25 female pillowcases (from Sally) sitting right here waiting for the address. Thanks! Pat

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Thanks Pat!  We can cross those items off the list.  In your stash, do you have scrub pants for women too?

If not, please don't anyone buy them.  I'm cleaning out and I have scrubs from my not so long ago nursing career I can send. Some I bought on sale/end of season, but I'm sure I have some that I can send.  I have scrub tops, but I think they might like some t-shirts too.

Looking forward to some girly items, but lots and lots to do when I get back home tomorrow.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

I'm thinking we need to continue this mission into August since I got such a late start with the change-over of POCs.  I hope that works for everyone.

Full steam ahead for our female wounded ...

[carols_kitchen]

It sure helps people work around the shipping times, with school starting, etc. I vote YES

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

OK, its official - the July mission will continue into August.  I will let our POC know what's happening.  We can aim to ship before Labor Day.  I hope that will work for everyone.  I don't think it will interfere with the MAS adoption.  If anyone thinks it will, let me know right away.  I got a coupon (don't know from where) for 6 pairs of panties from Victoria's Secret for $20.  I think I'm going to get some really pretty ones to include.  Hoping that will help raise their spirits some!!

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I bought some panties (not VS) and I have toiletries and some 'female' items. I was going through my stash of stuff and found the bath towels and wash cloths that I got last year after Black Friday ended. Are thy needing any of that sort of thing at the hospitals? I have them if they can use them.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

I don't know, Kim.  I will send her an email again in a couple days.  I don't want to overwhelm her since they are still getting into the swing of things and I don't want to overwhelm her with too many emails or too many different questions.

She will need to do a quick inventory of what they have on hand for both men and women and at both facilities.  IF we still have 2 facilities!!  That may have been down-sized too.  I just pray all this downsizing doesn't negatively impact our troops and especially our wounded getting to the care that they need as quickly as they should.

Some people in DC need to get to work and stop playing at working!!

[MichianaMom]

I haven't shipped for "Special Hugs" before. . .is there a shipping time frame, or do we just ship when we have a box to go?  Thanks!