Press Release December 2, 2009

Afghanistan troop surge:

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero® offers public opportunity to support ‘littlest heroes’

Members of the public are invited to join OPERATION Hug-A-Hero in easing the burden of separation from military parents to be deployed in Afghanistan troop surge.

Jacksonville, NC (PRWEB) December 2, 2009 — With the recent announcement that an additional 30,000 troops will be deployed to Afghanistan, OPERATION Hug-A-Hero has stepped forward to help provide comfort to America’s “littlest heroes,” the children of America’s service men and women who will soon deploy.

A 501(c)(3) organization serving the children of military, law enforcement and first responder families, OPERATION Hug-A-Hero provides durable, washable high quality dolls with a full-body photograph of a parent to children of America’s heroes.

With the news that additional service members will deploy in support of the Afghanistan troop surge as early as next month, OPERATION Hug-A-Hero is determined to do its part to honor and support the children left at home.

“It is very easy for the public to lend their support,” said Lisa Berg, OPERATION Hug-A-Hero Executive Director. “Donations may be made online by going to our website, www.operationhugahero.org/. It’s that simple, and givers will have the pleasure knowing their contributions have added to the quality of life for one or more of those children in need.”

“Though a doll cannot solve every issue a child may face while their parent is deployed, it certainly goes a long way to providing an emotional security blanket for the littlest heroes at home,” said Tricia Dyal, OPERATION Hug-A-Hero Co-Founder. “We’ve even heard of children keeping their parent in the circle of family life by photographing the Hug-A-Hero doll at every significant family event, such as a birthday party or holiday celebration.”

Anything that can reduce stress, relieve anxiety and bring comfort to the child of a deployed service member is an important endeavor, said Berg.

“If you have been wondering what you can do to give back to America’s heroes, then now is the time to act. Please consider putting a service member’s mind at ease by doing this kindness for his or her child. I have seen the impact these dolls have made on the lives of the children and families who have received them,” said Berg. “I know we can get a Hug-A-Hero doll into the arms of every child in need.”

Note: Members of the media interested in covering this story may contact Lisa Berg via e-mail at lisa@operationhugahero.org or by telephone at (910) 546-3127.

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