Operation Hug-A-Hero 3rd Annual Holiday Hugs Campaign

 

There is still time to participate in Operation Hug-A-Hero’s 3^rd Annual Holiday Hugs Campaign. Local businesses, schools, churches, military spouses’ clubs and other interested organizations are invited to adorn a holiday tree with Holiday Hug ornaments. A $17 donation ensures a Hug-A-Hero doll will be gifted to an eligible child. Donors can write a personal message to the recipient on the back of their ornament which will be used as a gift tag for the Hug-A-Hero doll that will be sent to the child.  See our Press Release here

Happy Veterans Day – We Honor You

As we prepare to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, service and sacrifice, Veterans’ Day serves as a stark reminder that America’s sons and daughters are still in harm’s way half a world away and their sons and daughters are waiting and wishing for their parent to come home safely.  View our Press Release here.

SERvice TO MAnkind Award from Tampa Gem SERTOMA Club

Operation Hug-A-Hero is humbled to receive the SERvice TO MAnkind award this week from the Tampa Gem SERTOMA Club on Thursday, Sept 22nd in Tampa.  Executive Director Lisa Berg and Key Volunteer Ellen Kluver will accept the award on behalf of our entire Operation Hug-A-Hero team.  The Tampa Gem SERTOMA Club has helped place many dolls into the arms of children in need by their continued generous donations to our cause.

Beyond the Uniform Book Benefits Operation Hug-A-Hero

Operation Hug-A-Hero to Receive Proceeds from Sale of “Beyond The Uniform”

Operation Hug-A-Hero is pleased to announce a partnership with “Beyond the Uniform”, every military girl’s survival guide. The authors, Megan Bekkedahl and Melaina Lausen will graciously donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of their newly released “Beyond The Uniform”, a 226 page guide for those married to or dating someone in uniform.

“Beyond The Uniform” is a collection of stories covering a wide variety of topics concerning military life. These inspirational, sometimes funny, and always interesting stories feature tips on surviving deployment, making new friendships and even includes recipes for entertaining!

The Operation Hug-A-Hero program provides a tangible, comforting connection between military children and their deployed or fallen military loved one. Hug-A-Hero dolls, featuring the photo of the military loved one, become a constant companion for many military children as they face doctor’s visits, tough days at school, or long nights missing the absent parent.

“We believe each child experiencing the absence of a parent deployed or the permanent absence of a parent who has fallen in the line of duty deserves the extra comfort our Hug-A-Hero dolls provide, “ said Lisa Berg, Executive Director, Operation Hug-A Hero. “Each Hug-A-Hero doll is one of a kind.”

Operation Hug-A-Hero salutes the generosity of Ms. Bekkedahl and Ms Lausen. We encourage everyone to purchase their copy of “Beyond The Uniform” to support giving America’s littlest heroes their very own Hug-A-Hero doll. To purchase your copy, simply go to Lulu.com.

For more information contact Lisa Berg, OHAH Executive Director lisa AT operationhugahero.org or Carla Olivo, OHAH Director of Communications media AT operationhugahero.org

Operation Hug-A-Hero Supports our Nation’s Fallen Heroes

The Operation Hug-A-Hero family extends their heartfelt prayers and sympathy to the families of the 30 U.S. Special Operations Troops killed over the weekend in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. These fallen heroes will always be cherished by their loved ones and their bravery and service to their country will never be forgotten by a grateful nation.

Operation Hug-A-Hero would like to offer each child affected their own custom-made Hug-A-Hero Doll of their fallen hero, their daddies. We believe our special dolls can provide a tangible, comforting connection for these children in the coming transitional months.

If you know a child directly affected by this recent tragedy who might benefit from a Hug-a-Hero doll, please contact Operation Hug-A-Hero at (888) HUG-0329, ext. 101 (484-0329).

If you would like to help Operation Hug-A-Hero in providing a little comfort to the children of our fallen heroes, please go to www.operationhugahero.org to make your tax-deductible donation.
We have set up Special Monitoring of our phone lines for this so that we can promptly respond to assist the Children (our little Heroes)  in their time of need.

Hittin’ the Links for OPERATION Hug-A-Hero – SOLD OUT

Friends of OPERATION Hug-A-Hero in Naples, FL are hosting their inaugural golf tournament in the SW Florida area at the Grey Oaks Country Club on Saturday, June 18, 2011.  It is only fitting that this tournament coincide with Father’s Day weekend, as so many of the heroes that we honor at OPERATION Hug-A-Hero are fathers that are deployed in harm’s way.  The tournament’s capacity of 80 players was quickly reached – a testament to the SW Florida community – rich in patriotism and home to many retired service members.

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero volunteer, Michael Cox, whose son-in-law is a United States Marine, has led the effort to establish the tradition of a series of golf tournaments to benefit OPERATION Hug-A-Hero at premier golf courses in SW Florida.  Cox’s goal is to organize at least 2 more tournaments in 2011.

For more information, please contact us at info AT operationhugahero.org!

Way to go Mike and our thanks to all of the players for their support!

Operation Hug-A-Hero® Joins Hilton HHonors Giving Back Program

Operation Hug-A-Hero announces its FIRST Corporate Partnership with Hilton HHonors Giving Back Program!  Loyalty program members donate Hilton HHonors points for children of deployed or Fallen American heroes to receive their own custom made Hug-A-Hero doll.  We are honored to welcome Hilton HHonors Giving Back Program to Our Family.  You can learn about us on the Hilton HHonors Giving Back program here.

To read more about this partnership, see our Press Release on PRUnderground.

Redbook Magazine features Operation Hug-A-Hero in their May Issue

7 Sweet & Simple Ways to Support Military Families

 

OO RAH to the editors of Redbook Magazine for this amazing feature about how ANYONE can support military families in the May, 2011 issue!  We are thrilled that OPERATION Hug-A-Hero made Redbook’s “sweet and simple” list!  Thank you, Redbook, and thank you to the tens of thousands of Redbook subscribers who will take action because of this article.  We could not do it without you!

3rd Annual 5K and Family Fun Run in Walled Lake, Michigan

Come out and enjoy the 3rd Annual 5K and Family Fun Run hosted in beautiful Walled Lake, Michigan on May 29, 2011.  Walled Lake has supported Operation Hug-A-Hero and The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund for 3 consecutive years!  We appreciate all their support and You can show your support too by joining this Family Fun day.

For more information please go to the Walled Lake, MI website for more information or to Run Michigan dot com to register!

Memorial Golf Tournament

In memory of Lt Robert (Bart) Fletcher, his parents, Jack and Ginny Luther are holding a golf tournament in memory of him.  They would like military-affiliated non-profit organizations to benefit from their organization.  This is a great way to keep his spirit alive.

For more information please see this story about this golf tournament:  http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/apr/27/foundation-plans-benefit-golf-tournament-in-memory/

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