Free Moms display unconditional love to students at Talley

Katie Howell Correspondent

On Thursday afternoons, dozens of volunteers meet near Stafford Commons to generate a hub for free hugs and meaningful conversations. This group of volunteers is known as Free Moms, and their goal is to comfort and support students in the form of hugs and fresh baked goods every Thursday from 1-4 p.m.

Coordinator Nancy Nelson said she was struck with the inspiration for Free Moms in early 2019. With four kids of her own and one NC State graduate, she felt the overwhelming sense that she had love to give to college students on campus. She set up camp near Talley by herself on a Thursday in February 2019.

Nelson said the initial event focused on showing students someone was in their corner and there to support them.

“One of the things I really long for is that this would connect with the kids who are struggling the most and that they would be drawn every week to it,” Nelson said.

“That way, they could get a hug. These mamas will do in a pinch.”

The mission gained traction and expanded to include free love in the form of fresh baked goods, dogs, dads and grandparents. Free Moms has received national attention and amassed 80 volunteers thus far.

Due to its rapid, recent growth, Nelson said she has faced some difficulty when trying to organize the event. However, many volunteers have contributed in their own unique ways, via advertising, donating and coordinating. One mom started a GroupMe chat called “Free Mom Thursday,” which Nelson encourages students to join.

“I have people behind the scenes who are helping me to build this airplane in the air,” Nelson said. “I’m not that business person, but they have been helping me to create the SignUpGenius. Somebody else has created a Google Doc for our database. In fact, we are turning into a nonprofit, and now another mom has offered to do

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