Eligibility Criteria
Operation Hug-A-Hero® provides the Hug-A-Hero® dolls to families based on the following criteria (listed in order of priority). If you feel you do not meet the criteria and would like to purchase your own Hug-A-Hero® doll, you may do so by going to www.hugahero.com.
- Families of fallen heroes
- A family with a community services referral (e.g. Chaplain, Family Services Coordinator, School Counselor, etc.)
- Children with special needs registered with the EFM program
- Household income
- Number and age of children in household
- Date of deployment
- Length of deployment
Operation Hug-A-Hero® maintains a priority waiting list and our Family Affairs Coordinators maintain compassionate communications with these families and/or those who have referred them to the program to advise them on the anticipated timeline.


