2009 Holiday Hugs Drive

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero is inviting retailers, businesses, schools, churches and other interested organizations to adorn a holiday tree with OHAH Holiday Hug “ornaments.” Each ornament represents a Hug-A-Hero doll for a child, for a $25 donation. Donors can write a personal message to the child recipient on the back of the ornament which will be lovingly included in the package that OHAH will send to the child. OHAH will also offer the Holiday Hug drive on its website as well, and will offer donors the same opportunity to craft a personal message to the child recipient.

The Holiday Hugs Drive is made simple for the sponsoring organization as OHAH sends all of the materials – the sponsors simply provide the tree or other display for the ornaments. To obtain your Sponsor Package please contact our Director of Development, Stephanie Crabb at stephanie AT operationhugahero.org. or using our Contact Form select the Request a Holiday Hugs Packet option.

The Holiday Hugs for Our Littlest Heroes Drive will continue through January 31, 2010.

Be sure to check out our Press Release

Our Holiday Hug Angel:

Press Release November 17, 2009

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero® Launches Holiday Hugs Drive

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero kicks off its inaugural “Holiday Hugs for Our Littlest Heroes” Drive to provide Hug-A-Hero dolls to the children of military, law enforcement and first responder families this holiday season.

Jacksonville, NC (PRWEB) November 20, 2009 — OPERATION Hug-A-Hero, a 501(c)(3) organization serving the children of military, law enforcement and first responder families, kicks off its inaugural “Holiday Hugs for Our Littlest Heroes” drive this week with the goal of providing 2,500 children with Hug-A-Hero dolls this holiday season.

“I will be leaving behind my fiancee and daughter to go to South Korea for a year. I have only spent a few days apart since she has been born. I am hoping this (Hug-A-Hero Doll) will help her remember me while I am gone.”

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero Executive Director, Lisa Berg, reports a tremendous increase in the applications for the Hug-A-Hero doll program in the weeks leading up to and just after the holiday season. This is due in part, Berg suggests, to the fact that the holidays are very hard for the littlest heroes when they are separated from a parent or other loved one in their lives, or, in the worst case, if they have lost a parent serving in the line of duty. “The separation anxiety is often heightened during the holidays, a time that is already particularly stressful for the family back on the homefront or that is grieving a loss. In addition, the number of units and individuals across our armed forces scheduled to deploy in the January-February timeframe is high,” stated Berg.

A recent application for the OPERATION Hug-A-Hero program from a service member in the United States Air Force readying for deployment puts the need into perspective. The application stated, “I will be leaving behind my fiancee and daughter to go to South Korea for a year. It will be extremely hard for me considering I have only spent a few days apart since she has been born. I am hoping this (Hug-A-Hero doll) will help her remember me while I am gone,” shared Berg.

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero is inviting retailers, businesses, schools, churches and other interested organizations to adorn a holiday tree with OPERATION Hug-A-Hero Holiday Hug ornaments. Each ornament (a $25 donation) represents a Hug-A-Hero doll to be gifted to an eligible child. Donors can write a personal message to the child recipient on the back of the ornament which will be lovingly included in the package that OPERATION Hug-A-Hero will send to the child. The Holiday Hugs Drive is made simple for the sponsoring organization as OPERATION Hug-A-Hero sends all of the materials – the sponsors simply provide the tree or other display for the ornaments.

Individuals who want to participate in the Holiday Hugs Drive may do so on the OPERATION Hug-A-Hero website. The website will also offer donors the same opportunity to craft a personal message to the child recipient.

“We are thrilled at the early response from organizations and businesses all over the country who are becoming Holiday Hugs supporters,” shared Stephanie Crabb, Director of Development for OHAH. “Our goal is to have 50 participants in the Holiday Hugs Drive this year, and for each of those sites to display a minimum of 50 Holiday Hug ornaments. If we achieve this goal we will be able to include 2,500 more children in our program.”

The Holiday Hugs for Our Littlest Heroes Drive will continue through January 31, 2010.

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Down load a copy of this Press Release

Press Release November 10, 2009

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                      November 10, 2009

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero® Veterans Day American Flag Tribute eBay Auction

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero launches eBay auction featuring an American Flag flown over an historic military installation, in honor of the winning bidder, on Veterans Day. Proceeds raised from the auction will support OPERATION Hug-A-Hero’s programs and services targeting the children of those who serve in the military, law enforcement and as first responders.

United States (PRunderground) November 10, 2009 – OPERATION Hug-A-Hero®, a 501(c)(3) organization serving the children of military, law enforcement and first responders, launched a very special auction this week on eBay to raise valuable funds and honor those who have served the nation – past, present and fallen – this Veterans Day.

To the highest bidder will go an American Flag, flown specifically in his/her name in honor of those who have served, high and proud over one of the most historically-significant US military installations in the world, on Veterans Day. The unique, one-of-a-kind collectible is expected to generate great interest and a generous bid for OPERATION Hug-A-Hero.

“We are humbled by the individuals who organized this amazing tribute and selected OPERATION Hug-A-Hero as the beneficiary,” stated Stephanie Crabb, Director of Development for the non-profit group. “There is no greater symbol of freedom than the American Flag. To have it fly high and proud, at a US military installation steeped in rich history for our cause, on Veterans Day no less, is incredibly moving for our entire team.”

Once the Flag has been flown, a certificate bearing the name of the winning bidder, the time, location and installation where the Flag was flown will be signed by a commissioned US military officer. Further, the certificate will notify all that the Flag was flown for the winning bidder on behalf of OPERATION Hug-A-Hero and all of those who have served.

The eBay auction is being sponsored by Goin’ Postal in New Port Richey, Florida, a specialist in eBay auction services that donated its expertise and waived all fees associated with the auction as its contribution to OPERATION Hug-A-Hero.

The American Flag Tribute eBay auction for OPERATION Hug-A-Hero will end at 10 pm EST on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Interested parties may bid on the Flag on eBay, EBay Auction Item number: 180426880681.

For more information on the American Flag Tribute or other OPERATION Hug-A-Hero fundraising initiatives, please contact stephanie@operationhugahero.org

About OPERATION Hug-A-Hero:

Operation Hug-A-Hero® is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization (ID # 26-3006655) serving 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.

Please visit www.operationhugahero.org to learn more, make a donation or volunteer.

Down load a copy of this Press Release

Ebay Flag Auction to benefit OPERATION Hug-A-Hero

Veterans Day is only a few days away. Wednesday November 11, 2009.   You can help make this day even more memorable  for a Special Friend or Loved one who is a Veteran , Patriot or Flag Collector by participating in an EBay auction to support OPERATION Hug-A-Hero.

We have been provided with a very special  opportunity to help raise attention to the OPERATION Hug-A-Hero mission while also being able to pay tribute to all of our Veterans all across the globe. We would like to call your attention to the information below regarding an EBay Auction that started this week and will continue until approximately 10:00 PM on  Veterans Day.

This is a very Special Flag, and while the specific details of where it is going to be flown are a SECRET, we know that whomever is the wining  bidder will be pleased with the historic nature and value of this collectible item of our Military History. On top of that, the proceeds will go to OPERATION Hug-A-Hero.  That means that we will be able to help  reach-out to many more children in need.  We are hoping that the bidding  will continue to increase as word spreads of this great item and the great cause that it will support.

Every $30.00 that we can bring in allows us to help (1) child.  A $300.00 bid will allow us to help about 10 children, $500.00 would help over 16 and $1000.00 dollars will help over 30 children.  No matter the amount of the final bid, know that your thoughtfulness will go to help a very worthwhile cause and every time you look at the Flag and the Certificate in your name, you will be proud to own a piece of history and will know that you helped a lot of Military family’s and put a smile on the face of a young child in the process!

We would be honored if you bid on this SPECIAL Flag as a tribute to our VETERANS. It would be great  if you could also pass this article or link on to a friend or relative who might be interested.

Thanks from Team OPERATION Hug-A-Hero

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American Flag Tribute

November 5, 2009 – November 11, 2009

EBay Auction Item number: 180426880681

Bid on an American Flag flown proudly over one of the most historically-significant overseas military installations in celebration of all those who have served our nation.

• Flag will be flown on Veterans Day.
• Winning Bidder will have their name inscribed on a Certificate accompanying the Flag stating that the Flag was flown in their Honor.
• Flag will be expertly Folded by US MARINES, and inserted into a Flag Presentation Case.
• Certificate will be accompanied in a matching frame.

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This is not any Flag; but one that will be flown on a US Military Base that is located overseas in a location with significant historical merit.   The Flag is a standard 5 x 8 Flag that will be flown on Veterans Day November 11, 2009.

Once the Flag has been flown, a Certificate will be issued identifying the Time, Location and Place that the Flag was flown and Signed by a Commission US Military Officer.   We have arranged to have the Certificate held until the 15^th, so that we can determine the winner of the Auction. That individuals name will then be put on the Certificate, which will then be Formally Signed and Framed, notifying all that The Flag was flown for this person(s) on behalf of OPERATION Hug-A-Hero.

The Flag will then be Expertly Folded by US MARINES, the procedure photographed and the Flag will then be inserted into a Flag Presentation Case and sealed.

The Flag/Case Framed Certificate and (2) Photos of the Flag Folding Ceremony will then be packed and shipped to the United States office of OPERATION HUG-A-HERO, where it will then be FED-EX Ground to the winner.

Please expect 2-3 weeks delivery at completion of the Auction due to shipping from the overseas location.

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero would like to provide a special thanks to the Team at Goin Postal, in New Port Richey, FL for setting up and running the auction for us. They have kindly donated their services to support the OPERATION Hug-A-Hero cause.

Motorcycle Ride for OPERATION Hug-A-Hero & Children’s Bicycle Rodeo

REGISTER NOW!

Be one of the first 100 to register and receive a FREE t-shirt!

October 24th 2009 in Jacksonville, North Carolina there will be (2) great events to support our Military and Operation Hug-A-Hero. These  events are for the entire family. The first event is for all the  Motorcycle Enthusiasts. This Harley Ride is just for you.  For the second event be sure to bring your children along for the Bicycle Rodeo, where the kids get to dress up their bikes with all kinds of free stickers and then a contest for the best dressed and a lot of other categories for them to win prizes with their bikes.  Lot’s of fun stuff for children of all ages; there will be Face Painting, a Rock Wall,  Giveaways, Live Music, Food and more.

So be sure to set the date (October 24, 2009) on your calendar for these two great fun events at the New River Harley Davidson off Wilmington Highway in Jacksonville, NC.

Event 1 – Harley Ride for Operation Hug-A-Hero

Fall is in the air! Rain or shine, be a part of the first ever ride in our community for our littlest heroes!

Ride for Operation Hug-A-Hero – Jacksonville, NC

October 24, 2009

New River Harley Davidson/Buell

2394 Wilmington Highway

Jacksonville, NC

The Harley Ride is Sponsored by:

$20 Solo Rider (Free Event T-Shirt to first 100 registered riders)

9:00 AM Kickoff and Registration

11:00 AM Kickstands Up

After Party – WRNS Your Country 95.1 FM Broadcasting Live – Kids Bicycle Rodeo

For more information, contact: Tricia Dyal @ 910-333-1502 or tricia AT operationhugahero.org

Event 2 – Kids Bicycle Rodeo and Family Fun

Kids Bicycle Rodeo and Family Fun – Jacksonville, NC

October 24, 2009

New River Harley Davidson/Buell

2394 Wilmington Highway

Jacksonville, NC

The Kids Bicycle Rodeo and Family Fun is Sponsored by: Accent Real Estate

While the motorcycles roar, bring your kids and their “bikes” for an old-fashion bike rodeo!

Free Admission – Donations Gratefully Accepted (Free Event T-Shirt to first 100 registered participants)

10:00 AM Kickoff, Registration and Bike Decorating

11:15 AM Bike Parade and Rodeo Begins

After Party – WRNS Your Country 95.1 FM Broadcasting Live – Inflatable Playland -Games

For more information, contact: Tricia Dyal @ 910-333-1502 or tricia AT operationhugahero.org

REGISTER NOW!

Be one of the first 100 to register and receive a FREE t-shirt!

Ride for our Cause!

Sportsman’s Lodge is sponsoring this exciting event! Just $20 gets you in to ride your motorcycle in support of our Littlest Heroes! While the big bikers are off on their great ride, the little bikers will stay behind and enjoy our Children’s Rodeo, sponsored by Accent Real Estate! Lejeune High School Seniors are putting on the Rodeo! Logan’s Food will be there! Vendors will be setup, Hooter’s Girls, a Paintball gun given out from Sportsman’s Lodge in a 50/50 drawing, WRNS Broadcasting Live! Starting at 9:00 and every half hour, a Hug-A-Hero kit will be given away compliments of Daddy Dolls, Inc. The Hug-A-Hero Kit includes a free voucher for the custom made doll of their hero and a voice recorder! There will be a raffle for the chance to win 4 new bikes. Kids bring your bikes and enjoy the following – Extreme Biking, Best in Show, Decorating Contest and a Parade. Bikes will be judged by some of the Motorcycle Riders. Trophies will be awarded at 1:00! Kids can enjoy the Rock Wall and Moon Bounce! Family Fun for everyone. Come on out and show your support for our military and for Operation Hug-A-Hero!

Hennessy Family Testimonial

Both Hennessy’s are Marines and Mommy was deployed for this testimony:

“Kaylei brings her doll to all the stores with her and screams Mommy, Mommy and shoves it at anybody who will look at her. I get emails all the time telling me how cute everyone thinks it is. It was the perfect Christmas present so tell them thank you very much from us all” Cpl Rebekah Hennessy

Related Posts:

Shear Family Testimonial

Hahn Family Testimonial – 4H club Donation

Wilson Family Testimonial – Marine Corps Family

Deployment Tip # 2 – Home Music Videos

This is the second deployment my boys are going through. Like the first time, dad missed all 3 of their birthdays. So, the boys and I get together and make daddy a goodie bag with an invitation to a recap birthday when he gets home. Every week we do a movie/game night to celebrate another week down. Since music is a great way to help cope with hard times, I let my boys pick out songs they like and we make home made music videos to send to daddy. Our biggest treat so far was the time we sat down and thought of care package themes, then made a calendar of it. My favorite was the “You dropped Your Pocket” care package thought up by my middle son who will be 5 soon. Him and his dad would always joke and say “you dropped your pocket” so, the boys drew up a design and then helped me sew a pocket pillow for daddy. Now he takes it on every convoy and sleeps with it at night. All this is an alternative to the traditional but, it makes them feel good to do things for daddy and then see the pictures or hear a simple thank you from daddy over the phone. They have pride in what they do and it brings out creativity. So far this has helped them better than anything from the 1st deployment. I have an open suggestion box for them to let me know what they want to do plus, I let them use my IM and web cam to let daddy know what to expect for R&R and home coming. Kids are often forced to grow up faster during times like this but, if it’s done in a positive way such as letting them make choices like this, it’s a better memory for them.

Karrie

Grafenwoehr, Germany

Deployment Tip #1 – Read Books with Daddy

My husband’s first deployment was 15 months and I wanted our little girl to know his voice. She loves books so I had him read all of her books on a tape recorder and every night before she went to bed she would play the tape and “read” books with Daddy. It really seemed to help.

Amanda, Ft Riley

Army Wife Network Interview – Update

UPDATE: June 30, 2009

We now have the interview posted here on the site for your viewing pleasure.  If you click on the AWN logo (below) you will be taken to a Podcast site, where you can listen to the entire recorded show..it’s a little over an hour in length, and covers other topics besides OHAH.

We know that time is important to you so we scaled down the original show and picked out just the interview with Lisa Berg of Operation Hug-A-Hero and that you can listen  to  here (approx 13 minutes length).    ARMY WIFE NETWORK -Radio Interview – June 15, 2009

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We are so excited to be featured on the Army Wife Network and to speak with the talented founders on Monday evening, June 15th at 8pm EST.  We will air just after 9pm.  Please tune in to their Blog Talk Radio to hear questions and answers about our cause which we are so passionate about.  We encourage you to listen in and learn more about us!

Tussey Family Testimonial

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