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Clan Mac Duff Benefit for Hugs

• Monday, August 24, 2009

Old Westbury Gardens in Long Island, New York was host to the annual Scottish Games on Saturday, August 22nd, 2009.  Though the weather threatened, the Games where a raging success for children and adults alike.  Hugs not only has a booth at the games, but the Clan generously donates a portion of its profits to Hugs.  This year we added Scottish bears to our collection, thanks to the generous efforts of National Board member, Linda Dispenza.  They were a special hit, in fact we ran out of our special new bears in kilts!!   With the cost of $15, each bear paid for itself and provided 2 more for a child in crisis.  We are very grateful to Clan Mac Duff for this opportunity and their enthusiastic support.

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Hugs Brings Teddies to Deployment of the 389th

• Thursday, August 20, 2009

Earlier this summer Hugs took teddies to the Family Day deploymnet event for the 389th CSSB at Fort Totten in New York.   Families were given lots of food, entertainment and teddies to hug.  An effort was made to help the children understand what was happening and what Dad or Mom might be doing by encouraging them to try on equipment, and sit in the military vehicles that might be used.  Each family member and guest was also encouraged to sign a pendant that will go with the unit. Teddy hugs were given to all the children and a few eager adults as well.

Know that our prayers are with them.

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Port Washington Teens Help Hugs

• Wednesday, August 19, 2009

This summer the " AT LAST " teen camp sponsored by the Port Washington, New York School System sent 25 youngsters to help with Hugs activities at the National Office in Manhasset.  This project encourages teenagers to spend their summers in fun and community service.  They were sure helpful to Hugs as they readied teddy bears for several military troups ready for deployment, as well as for local hospital pediatric units, and prepared a teddy bear lollipop fundraiser for their school Fair.  The group had a great time and were enthusiastic workers.  Thank you AT LAST, you are a terrific bunch of kids and we are delighted with your enthusiasm in helping others who are in difficult situations.  We look forward to working with you again next summer! 

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USS OAK HILL shares our teddies

• Monday, August 17, 2009

Marines and Sailors from USS OAK HILL (LSD 51) gave out 50 of your Teddy Bears during a visit in Marambaia Island, Brazil, which is near Rio de Janeiro.  It's part of a U.S. Marine Corps South Exercise "Southern Exchange" that will finish up this weekend.  There is much more information at www.southcom.mil

As you can see from the pictures, your Bears were given to children who took part in a Medical/Dental Exchange with the Brazilians.
CDR Lewis Preddy
COMFOURTHFLT Project Handclasp Coordinator

RIO DE JANEIRO (July 28, 2009) Sailors assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) hand out teddy bears to local children at Marambaia Island, Brazil. Oak Hill is participating in Southern Partnership Station ´09. Southern Partnership Station is a combined naval and amphibious operation with Oak Hill and maritime forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. Oak Hill is also supporting U.S. Marine Corps Forces South multinational amphibious exercise Southern Exchange 2009. (U.S Army photo by Spc. Corey Idleburg/Released)