HUGS Project ‘Pack Out’ on Wednesday, Project team leaders seek volunteers, donations
Published: December 9th, 2014
OKLAHOMA CITY – The HUGS Project will host its annual “Pack Out” tomorrow, Wednesday, December 10, to put together care packages to reach military members serving overseas. The event is set for 1 p.m. at 720 W. Wilshire Blvd., Suite 105, in Oklahoma City.
HUGS founder and project coordinator Karen Stark is asking interested volunteers to arrive at the facility as early as 9 a.m. to begin assembling boxes.
“Each year we see an outpouring of support from the community,” said Stark. “Every American who remains in harm’s way deserves to know they are loved – especially at Christmastime.”
For individuals looking to donate goods, the most needed items are personal hygiene items, socks and nonperishable snacks. Monetary donations to help pay for packaging and shipping are also accepted through The HUGS Project website at www.thehugsproject.com.
“I appreciate The HUGS Project and its many volunteers who have helped send over 900 tons of care-packaged items to soldiers serving overseas in the last decade,” said Governor Mary Fallin. “Although the HUGS team does a great job, they can’t do it alone. I encourage all Oklahomans to get involved by volunteering tomorrow at the ‘Pack Out’ or by making a monetary donation.”
Also hailing the project was Rita Aragon, Cabinet Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs. She said, “The HUGS project has been a source of support for our men and women serving the defense of this great nation. Volunteers of dedicated Oklahomans have showed their devotion to those serving. Now the HUGS Project is a source of comfort to those suffering PTSD A and TBI, through the Patriot Clinc.”
The retired Air National Guard general concluded, “This will be a brighter holiday for so many because of the dedication and great work of the HUGS Project.”
About 4,000 care packages are expected to be delivered in time for Christmas to military members serving in Cuba, Iraq and Liberia.
NOTE: Media interested in covering the event are asked to contact Karen Stark at (405) 651-8359 or by email at thehugsproject@cox.net.