The Hugs Project
The Hugs Project, started in May 2004 in Oklahoma by Ray and Karen Stark, is a non profit 501 C 3 organization. The Hugs Project was the first organization to send cool ties (affectionately nicknamed "hugs" since they go around the neck) to the Middle East. The non-profit recognized the need to help keep American Troops cool during the summer and warm during the winter. This dedicated group also sends care packages and other handmade items to our Service Men and Women.
The Hugs Project has members in every state and 43 foreign countries. The OKC group meets two to three times a week, but are constantly growing and now have "group hugs" in many other cities.
The group has sent out over 625,000 "hugs", 140,000 "kisses" (helmet coolers), and more than 200 TONS of care package items. We are committed to improving quality of life for our dedicated U.S. Military Troops.
Temperatures will top 140 (that's NOT a typo) degrees during the summer, so the main emphasis is writing LOTS of letters and making cooling ties that can reduce body temp by 5+ degrees. Hugs can save our men and women from heat stroke deaths.
If you would like to help The Hugs Project meet the needs of our outstanding Military men and women (and civilians) in harm's way, please contact Karen at: TheHugsProject@cox.net for ideas about how you can help or to request packages and hugs for someone you know.
For more information, please visit http://www.spiritbank.com/leavepage.html?url=http://www.thehugsproject.com.