Hugs Teddies Deploy With The USNS Comfort

• Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort Executive Officer Capt. Mary Jean Herden and Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce Boynton share thoughts on upcoming deployment after a presentation of teddy bears (among the 650 teddies delivered) from Hugs Across America by Director Sue Lucarelli.

Hugs donated bears for future child patients on Comfort's upcoming deployment during a multi month humanitarian assistance tour to the US Southern Command area of responsibility.  The ships commanding officers, both Pediatricians, were delighted to have teddies available to ease the anxiety and pain of  injured or sick youngsters who will receive medical treatment aboard the hospital ship as they tour around the world. The Comfort is the 5th largest hospital in the US, and includes 12 operating rooms.  Truly an amazing ship with an equally amazing mission!

The monies for purchaes of these bears were given by Dr. Judy De Felice in honor of her friend Jean Battle.   Jean Battle, a civilian employee of the United States Navy, worked first as a steward, then an ordinary seaman and most recently as a mate steering an oil tanker on the high seas until her retirement in 200l. Jean's fondest wish was to join the staff of the USNS Comfort but  passed away in 2006.  We are honored to share her wish in this way.

Hugs In Oklahoma Responds To Tornados

• Friday, May 18, 2007

The Kelsey Briggs Chapter of Hugs Across America requested teddy bears for victims of a Sweetwater Oklahoma tornado, as well as the tornado that devastated,Greensburg, Kansas.  John Marshall High School collected 171 bears to help out.

So many children lost everything.  Cindy Eggeling a Secretary at John Marshall said, "Our school mascot is a bear, what better way for our students to give back than to donate a bear to children in great need".

Tornado Wipes Out Kansas Town

• Monday, May 07, 2007

Hours after the devastating tornado hit Greensburg, Kansas we were in touch with the American Red Cross of Kansas.  Because the tornado had completely demolished a 2 mile wide path of downtown Greensburg, shelters were set up in the near- by towns of Dodge City and Platt.

The  Dodge City  Red Cross, led by Joan Hendrickson, requested 300 teddy bears to be delivered to shelters full of families whose homes where completely destroyed. "It will take weeks, perhaps months, before things can be sorted out and belongings found, says Joan, and we certainly do need hugs!"

Tyler McIntosh found a new friend while collecting things near his home in Greensburg.

Wyoming Student Leads Vigil For Virginia Tech

• Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Kendra Wardlow of Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming organized a vigil to support students and families of Virginia Tech.  With speakers, Taps and news journalists, Kendra  provided pins, signed cards and requested money for teddy bears to give Wyoming students a voice for comfort.  Thank you to Kendra and all those across the country who are helping Hugs, help them.