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)]

Thanks Carol!  They will love it I'm positive!!

[Carol (jonsmom)]

I picked up about 40 ornaments this weekend and will get treats underway today.  Should ship Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.  And yes, I am on the we ship love page.  I will see if I can find the address there. 

Carol

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I sent a box of tree decorations and added some flip flops to fill the box. I'll send out snacks the first of the week along with some Christmas cards.

[Susan mom to Niko]

I will put together a box or two of treats and decorations!!

 

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Thank you everyone!!  I always felt badly, as a nurse, when my patients were in the hospital over Christmas.  But Special Hugs' patients always tug hard at my heart strings.  Not only are they stuck in a hospital.  They are far from home.  They don't get to hear from their families since they aren't with their units where their mail goes.

I'll try to get a count and let our POC know what she should be watching for.

And thanks again everyone!!

[Denise (Dee)]

Donna, I have 3 boxes of snacks: sunflower seeds, popcorn, chucklet gum, cheese nips, and I have 6 ornaments that I picked up in Virginia.

Dee

[CruAn]

I sent some x-mas lights, dvd's and snacks, and of course the ever holiday favorite ... candy canes.

[Lorraine]

I'll send one box with candy, cards, oatmeal packs, hot cocoa, 2 plastic Christmas tablecloths, and a string of Christmas lights. I'll ship it Tuesday the 3rd.

[carols_kitchen]

We are shipping this week, but late cards would be appreciated.  NO glitter.  The address is on the MAS address page.  As many cards, pics and notes as you can send.  Thank you!

[Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)]

When I clicked on the email link, it took me to September special hugs project.  Where can I get the info for this month's project?  I have some cards made by children and other items to fill at least one box.

[carols_kitchen]

The address is on the MAS shipping page.  Are you on that?  You have to go to "all discussions" and then one of the next discussions takes you to RS mailing address for the hospitals.  Let me know if you need more information.  We've tried bumping that address, but no luck.

Carol

[Sarabi2013]

Small, homemade, non-edible cinnamon ornaments have been laid upon my heart. Are there any issues with this kind of gift? I'll try to include a few snacks and cards too.