1. How was Project Hugs from Heroes created?
Project Hugs from Heroes was developed to address three specific needs:
- To find a home for mint condition, outgrown stuffed animals
- To create a service project for our deployed service members that would engage people, organizations, communities in a small, yet concrete and meaningful way
- To meet the ongoing need for unit support, despite the end of tour of duty
2. If the stuffed animals are being sent to deployed service members, why are they being distributed to local children instead of just our military members?
Our amazing service members engage in far more than just combat, even as they live and work in a war zone. They spend a great deal of time working with locals, helping to improve living conditions, supplying medical care and educational services, building infrastructure, and providing humanitarian aid. They quietly engage in compassion projects, to foster constructive relationships and create a lasting positive impression of American kindness and generosity, that will be felt from generation to generation. Their works of compassion are often unrecognized and are rarely the spotlight of media focus. However, the need to support this aspect of deployment is there, and it is the goal of Project Hugs from Heroes to support them by supplying deployed units who have this beed with stuffed animals and other small items of use.
3. How do you choose which units to support?
The first unit to be supported was the co-founder’s own unit. When he came back from deployment, he knew that the need for stuffed animals was still there. The founders decided to continue the support, for as long as the unit needed it. Now, units approach us directly with requests for help. To follow OpSec and for the safety and security of our service members, we will not release any information regarding the identities, location, or names of the units we support. We hope you understand that the safety of our military members come first and foremost.
4. How often do you ship?
Our first drive was completed in January of this year. We started with two boxes of the our own stuffed animals, but we knew we needed to reach out and ask for help if we were going to provide sustainable support. We put out our first Call for Hugs in June, 2011, and within three days, our goal of collecting 200 stuffed animals was exceeded. This would not have been possible without the compassion, kindness, and generosity of all who helped. And, the donations continue to arrive, which allows us to send shipments. We send four large shipments, ranging from 4 to 7 boxes, quarterly, or as directed by the receiving unit. In addition, we send smallercare packages to those who need them. We have sent three such packages to Wounded Warriors families, just weeks or months after injury.
5. Who pays for the shipping?
Presently, the only donations received have been in the form of stuffed animals. All other costs are paid out-of-pocket by the founders. We are currently researching ways to offset the growing costs, because as the project grows, we know it needs to be sustained, which will require the addition of monetary donations.
6. It’s just a small stuffed animal. Does it really make that big of a difference?
Yes, it truly does. The founder personally saw and experienced the positive impact these stuffed animals made in the combat zone. When soldiers and civilians, especially children, have been wounded in targeted insurgent attacks, the stuffed animals provided instant comfort and solace. Due to the natural economic hardships and living conditions found in the areas where our soldiers are deployed, the local families often struggle to meet even basic needs. For a child who has nothing, a new stuffed animal becomes a symbol of hope, friendship, and a brighter future.
Thank for your interest! If you would like more information or would like to be added to the mailing list, please send an email to silentranksisterhood@live.com
