Hugs Project in Need of Socks and Postage

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- With more volunteers than ever this year The Hugs Project is filling Christmas packages quickly. But, its supplies they're running out of, and money for postage.

It's some of the most basic needs our troops appreciate the most, something most of us take for granted every day. In Iraq and Afghanistan, our soldiers are in need of socks.

From now until the last Christmas package is sent, volunteers will be busy loading up. But there's something missing from each box that's desperately needed overseas.

"We had a guy one time and he talked for a page and a half about his white, you know, his glowing white socks, and he just went on and on about how much, you know, and it was a pair of socks," The Hugs Project Founder Karen Stark said.

Socks are a hot commodity for troops, especially because they travel on their feet in Iraq and Afghanistan. This soldier was carrying more than 120 pounds of gear on his 145 pound frame.

"If you're carrying that kind of load, you don't want to be walking on holey socks, it's miserable enough," Stark said.

With items including snacks, coffee and pillows each package is filled to the brim by Oklahoman's who want to send a hug to those fighting for their freedom.

"Those who are serving don't have a choice, they're there and they're doing what they're told to do and we're supporting them," said Stark. "We're not making a statement about war."

The Hugs Project began in 2004, sending care packages to soldier's in harm's way. Each Christmas, volunteers work overtime to make sure no one goes without. The goal this year is 3,000 boxes, each with some homemade candy inside.

"Here's how that plays out, the guy over in Afghanistan opens his box and all his friends are standing around drooling and they go, 'Oh, man. You got something homemade?' And he pulls out this knife and he counts how many there are and he cuts 17 pieces so that everybody gets a taste of home," Stark said.

To mail 3,000 packages, the cost is $36,000 just in postage. They need monetary donations, too.

Learn more about helping out the Hugs Project. E-mail The Hugs Project at TheHugsProject_OKC@cox.net for more information.

You can also help by eating at Fish City Grill in Edmond Tuesday tonight. The restaurant is donating 15 percent of their proceeds to The Hugs Project.