The Hugs Project In OKC Sends Thousands of Care Packages To Troops

The Hugs project sent of thousands of care packages Wednesday, for troops overseas so our service men and women know they're not forgotten.

The Hugs Project has now been around for nearly 11 years and has sent countless packages to troops serving around the world.

“Just something to remind them of home, something to remind them that they're loved and respected and we appreciate what they do for us “said Hugs Project Founder Karen Stark.

Wednesday, volunteers packed up around 3,000 packages that included snacks, and essentials the troops may need.

“What I tell the troops is we hand you a box of stuff and you give us back freedom. I don't know of any place else you can get a good deal like that,” said Stark.

The packages will head to troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Cuba, Honduras, and even Liberia this year in the Ebola hot zone.

“Which is really exciting for us because they got nothing,” said Stark.

The packages themselves are even a treat for the troops. Kids decorated the boxes

I saw Santa driving a tank on one of those and that's bound to make some serviceman or woman smile,” said Stark

While volunteers said the work was extremely rewarding, it was also very expensive.

The one day postage bills for this shipment will be 48 thousand dollars.

“The bottom line, the true bottom line is our troops are worth it”, said Stark.

“I sometimes feel selfish because I get so much back. When somebody says ‘God bless you' I say he does every single day,” said Stark

And the troops who receive these packages echo that sentiment.

One guy said your family has to love and support you because they're your family. But when you get support from a stranger, it's the most amazing felling in the world,” said Stark.

Now you heard the price tag to ship these care packages. If you would like to make a donation, visit the The Hugs Project website.