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.

1. Families of fallen heroes
2. A family with a community services referral (e.g. Chaplain, Family Services Coordinator, School Counselor, etc.)
3. Junior ranking enlisted families
4. Household income
5. Number and age of children in household
6. Date of deployment
7. 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.

How We Learn about Families in Need  / Refer a Family