About
Operation Hug-A-Hero®, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization (ID # 26-3006655) is proud and humbled to serve the children of our nation’s heroes that serve in our armed services, law enforcement and as first responders.
Since its establishment in 2008, Operation Hug-A-Hero has raised funds to launch and implement its Hug-A-Hero doll program. To date, hundreds of Hug-A-Hero dolls have been provided, at no cost, to the children of heroes that are deployed, in harm’s way each and every day, or fallen.
The Hug-A-Hero doll is no ordinary doll. The Hug-A-Hero doll’s design features the head-to-toe photograph of the recipient’s parent or loved one and a personalized message just for them. The doll not only provides comfort in the times of distress or sadness that separation can cause, but also provides a vehicle for the child to share his/her feeling and tell his/her story about his/her hero’s service. We are inspired by the many families that have shared their stories about how the Hug-A-Hero doll has made a difference in their lives.
We fondly call the children in our program our “Littlest Heroes.”
Please join us in recognizing and honoring the “Littlest Heroes” of the families that serve our nation in support of our homeland security.
Our History
Hug-A-Hero dolls were originally created by Daddy Dolls®, Inc., a company started by two Marine wives, Tricia Dyal and Nikki Darnell, who were determined to help comfort military children. They were able to donate dolls to hundreds of children in need, but after receiving an overwhelming number of requests, Tricia and Nikki were moved to establish a not-for-profit organization to better serve families with hardship circumstances. Operation Hug-A-Hero was incorporated on August 6, 2008 and granted its 501(c)(3) designation on July 2, 2009.
In its first months of operation as a 501(c)(3), OHAH has received over $13,000 in monetary contributions and over $75,000 in in-kind goods and services like advertising, event sponsorship, prize donations, website development and other professional services critical to its successful launch.
