Hugs Teddy Bears Help the Fire Department

• Friday, November 18, 2011

Fire Marshal, James Penrose of the Port Washington Fire Dept. was very appreciative of the 130 teddies that were just sent to the Dept. from Hugs. They have 18 fire trucks and ambulances that respond to fires, medical emergencies, auto accidents and Carbon Monoxide alarm situations in a large suburban town outside of NYC. Fire Marshal Penrose spoke of two situations that he and his men responded to over the weekend. Both involved CO alarms. In one instance, 2 little girls one 2 yrs and the other 4yrs,. were asleep when the alarm went off. When the department got to the residence they had to wake the children and bring them to the ambulance for the EMS to check out. Both were very frightened and crying. Jim ran to the truck and got two bears for them to hug and “immediately the tears were turned to very big smiles”. In the next CO call, “with 25 ppm of co in a 4 family house the child this time was 7yrs old and was suffering from multiple problems including brain damage from birth. He was outside running around uncontrollably because he was very scared from all that was going on. After I got my job done, again I ran back out to my truck and got a bear, this completely calmed him down. He even gave me a high five right before I left the scene”. Hugs made a big difference and does so every day.

Teddy Bears comfort classmates of Kerra Wilson

• Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Teachers and classmates of slain eight-year old Kerra Wilson can now find comfort in the arms of a teddy bear. Nearly 500 stuffed animals were delivered to Mitchell Elementary School today for students and teachers. The toys packed the school's gym. Students were able to come and pick out their own stuffed animal after school today.

The Nebraska chapter of the group Hugs Across America collected the bears to help students cope with the loss of classmate Kerra Wilson. The third grader's body was found September 22nd in rural Sioux County after she was reported missing the previous day.

Kerra Wilson's family also received donated teddy bears.

Any extra toys will remain at Mitchell Elementary.

10th Anniversary Cocktail Party

• Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Inspired by the events of September 11, 2001, Hugs Across America is having its 10th Anniversary Cocktail Party fundraiser to continue bringing hope to children in crisis everywhere. Join us for a buffet dinner, open wine bar and our always popular auctions and raffles. This year we are honoring Father Kevin Smith and Constance Wang.  Entertainment by the Blue Pages. Bring your family, neighbors and friends for a fun-filled evening.

Irene’s Devastating Floods

• Tuesday, September 06, 2011

By the time the numbers have been crunched, experts wouldn't be surprised if the ferocity of the Aug. 28 deluge that led to historic losses and catastrophic damage across communities near streams and rivers stretching from Cape May in New Jersey to Vermont, eclipsed a so-called 100-year flood.

On Long Island: Most of the damage was to homes struck by falling trees, flooding or subject to days of power loss. Hugs Across America responded by providing 150 teddies to local shelters such as Manhasset HS and Schreiber HS in Port Washington.

In Vermont: What may be the worst flooding since 1927 turned communities into islands, as high, fast-moving waters swamped roads and shredded some of the state's bridges. In some areas, homes knocked off their foundations by Hurricane Irene's wrath floated in lakes and rivers. Hugs sent 200 teddies to the American Red Cross in Rutland, which then distributed them to local FEMA or Red Cross units throughout the most devastated areas.

In upstate NY: In Margaretville and Prattville the devastation of hurricane Irene was just overwhelming! It is still unknown whether or not all of the buildings on either Main Street will stay standing. Many local stores, restaurants, and homes were completely destroyed. The National Guard continues to look for missing persons. Hugs has sent 200+ teddies to churches and fire departments that are responding to local needs. The United Methodist Church of Margaretville and the Prattsville Reformed Church have been particularly helpful in distributing teddies from family to family as they try to answer the frustration, fear and grief of the children traumatized by Irene’s destruction.