3 minute read
Special HUGS for Our Troops
By Cassie Johnson
The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year! We have the luxury of making memories with our loved ones because we have soldiers who sacrifice time with theirs. Making it home for the holidays is on the wish list of all men and women in uniform, however it may not be on their itinerary. The HUGS Project of Western Kentucky is on a special mission to show love and support by sending care packages to our country’s bravest who are in harm’s way. Founder Gayron Ferguson started the HUGS Project in May of 2007 because he has a strong patriotic love for our military. Volunteers from western Kentucky and southern Illinois gathered to sew handmade HUGS or cooling wraps, and Smellies or boot fresheners, to send to soldiers overseas. What began with the HUGS and Smellies has evolved to fully stocked packages containing items such as deodorant, sunscreen, beef jerky, cough drops, and even cheese dip.
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The smallest items can make a huge difference. Each box contains one or more cards, and it is the first thing the recipient sees. It can be a letter of encouragement, store bought card, or a handmade picture from a child.
“Cards add a little something personal to let that soldier know how much they are appreciated. We have sent over 50,000 packages to different men and women serving our country. Our volunteers are key to serving those who serve us. One person could not do alone what we have accomplished together. Every volunteer is equally important in helping us grow and benefit our troops. Most importantly, we thank God for giving us amazing volunteers and donations,” Ferguson said.
Share a Soldier’s Name
“We send packages to soldiers from all over the country. If you know someone serving far from home, please let us know because we would love to add them to our list. If we don’t know about them, we can’t send them a package. Every hero deserves to know someone cares, and it’s even more special from someone they don’t even know,” Ferguson said.
Helping Hands
Volunteers are always needed to sew, raise funds, donate items, and pack boxes. Packing parties are held on the third Monday of every month. If you can’t attend, set up your own packing party and deliver the boxes to HUGS. Get your family, church, office, or organization involved by collecting supplies. Check the Items We Send page on the website for a full list of items. Funds for postage and to purchase items not donated are always appreciated.
Upcoming Golf Scramble
HUGS is a year-round project and has various fundraisers throughout the year. Their 1st Annual Golf Scramble will be held on October 23rd at Drake Creek Golf Course in Ledbetter. Teams of two can sign up for $65 per player and includes a golf cart. Giveaways, cash prizes, and Closest to the Hole Awards will be held all day. Volunteers are still needed to measure the distance from each golf ball to the holes. To enter your team, call Gayron Ferguson at 270.556.4469.
The HUGS Project of Western Kentucky is a 501c3 organization not associated with any local organizations. All contributions are tax deductible. You can mail donations to 4931 Epperson Road, Paducah, KY 42003.
Visit thehugsprojectofwky.com and click on the Donate button for PayPal. For questions contact Gayron Ferguson at 270.556.4469 or email hugsprojectofwky@aol.com.
Visit facebook.com/hugsprojectwky or their website at thehugsprojectofwky.com.
