Group Needs Help with Troops' Holiday 'Hugs'

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thousands of American troops won't be home for Christmas since they're overseas fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, but some Oklahomans are working hard and are determined to bring a bit of the holidays to them.

Some 4,000 boxes are jam packed full of goodies for our troops, but the problem has been trying to get them mailed in time for Christmas.

Karen Kelly was part of the assembly line for The Hugs Project. From toothpaste to candy, she and other volunteers filled boxes with items needed by the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It makes me feel like I'm doing something for the soldiers, giving something back what they've done for us," Kelly said.

Yet this year's plan to ship 4,000 of boxes has hit a road block, the US postal service.

"At first they said, 'Oh yea. We'll work with you. We'll help you just like we always have,' and then they wait until it gets closer to time and said, 'No you're going to have to move the load,'" said Karen Stark, The Hugs Project founder.

Stark said she's unsure why the post office made the change, but with many of her volunteers being disabled or elderly, she's put the word out for help.

"We're going to get them there one way or another. We're going to get them there," Stark said.

In the meantime, even children are getting involved. Shemy Jackson and his sister, Chole, are making sure each box has a handwritten Christmas wish.

"It's fun to do something for someone else for a change," Shemy said.

As each box is taped shut, it's hoped what's inside brings a bit of home to the soldier receiving it, as well as a reminder that someone cares.

"It's not so much what we're sending them, it's the fact they know America remembers and America cares," Stark said.

The US Postal Service was contacted to find out why they changed their minds, but calls were not returned.

The Hugs Project is asking for volunteers to come out to Crossroads Mall on Friday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. to help get packages mailed.

Find out how to help The Hugs Project

The Hugs Project is also always in need of donations to mail the packages.

Help The Hugs Project win $25,000 in a national contest. Those with a Facebook account can click on this link and type in "Hugs Project" in the search box. Then select "Hugs Project Incorporated (Edmond, OK)." Then follow the instruction for the Facebook application.