Operation Hug-A-Hero Holiday Hugs 2011 Campaign In Full Swing

There is still time to participate in Operation Hug-A-Hero’s 3^rd Annual Holiday Hugs Campaign. Local businesses, schools, churches, military spouses’ clubs and other interested organizations are invited to adorn a holiday tree with Holiday Hug ornaments. A $17 donation ensures a Hug-A-Hero doll will be gifted to an eligible child. Donors can write a personal message to the recipient on the back of their ornament which will be used as a gift tag for the Hug-A-Hero doll that will be sent to the child.

Our mission at Operation Hug-A-Hero has always been to lighten the load for what we like to refer to as “our littlest Heroes,” the children of our deployed military. Our holiday wish is to be able to gift a Hug-A-Hero Doll to each child with a deployed or fallen parent.

The hardships caused by separations due to deployment or for those whose parent paid the ultimate sacrifice, are magnified during the holiday season. Hug-A-Hero has seen a rapid increase in requests for dolls in 2011 and at the same time we are feeling the results of a slow economy with donations dropping dramatically throughout the year.

Through our 3^rd Annual Holiday Hugs Campaign, we are hoping to ease the separation anxiety and sense of loss felt by military children during what should be a festive time of year. “Holiday Hugs ornaments are provided by Operation Hug-A-Hero. The sponsoring group simply provides the tree or other display for the ornaments,” explains Operation Hug-A-Hero Executive Director, Lisa Berg.

Sponsors can also initiate a donate-at-the-register campaign and display the ornaments in storefront windows or other prominent locations. “Individuals can sponsor a tree during their holiday parties, inviting guests to participate during the festivities,” says Berg.

Individuals who wish to donate to the Holiday Hugs 2011 drive directly can do so via the Operation Hug-A-Hero website: www.operationhugahero.org. Donors may include a personal message to the child and it will be written on a Holiday Hugs ornament on your behalf. The Holiday Hugs Campaign will continue through January 31, 2012.

About Operation Hug A Hero:

Operation Hug-A-Hero®, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization (ID # 26-3006655) is proud and humbled to serve the children of our nation’s heroes that serve in our armed services, law enforcement and as first responders.

Since its establishment in 2008, Operation Hug-A-Hero has raised funds to launch and implement its Hug-A-Hero doll program.  To date, hundreds of Hug-A-Hero dolls have been provided, at no cost, to the children of heroes that are deployed, in harm’s way each and every day, or fallen.

For more information contact OHAH Director of Communications, Carla Olivo at 540-847-1467 or Carla.Contento-Olivo@operationhugahero.org or Executive Director Lisa Berg at lisa@operationhugahero.org.