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Hugs for Our Soldiers (the successor organization to Hugs for Soldiers) is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been supporting our troops since 2003.  Our Federal Tax ID number is 26-3486044.
 
Through the help of many, HUGS sends care packages to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Our Adopt-A-Soldier program gives you the opportunity to care for a soldier on a one-on-one basis, and it affords our soldiers an avenue to reach out to those who want to support them.  We offer many programs, so please explore each one to see how you can get involved.
 
HUGS supports all branches of service.
 
 

"History of Hugs"

 
When Operation: Iraqi Freedom began in 2003, our founder, Kathy Orcutt, and her family were living in Duluth, Georgia.  She, like many others, wanted to show her support of our troops in harm's way.  Kathy's church had just created a Support Our Troops program, which she immediately became an integral part of.
 
Being a longtime volunteer of Duluth Fall Festival, Kathy approached the Festival Committee with the idea of having troops march in the parade and honoring them during Opening Ceremonies.  Seeing that patriotism flows strong throughout this community, it was only natural that the committee said, "Absolutely!"  So in September, 2003, the Soldiers of the 2-69AR from Fort Benning, Georgia, who had just returned home from Operation Iraqi Freedom One, joined the Festival for the first time.  Thanks to the care and support of Russ and Melanie Sheldon, the tradition of bringing soldiers to this annual festival continues to this day.
 

In 2004, Kathy and her family moved to Tennessee.  The seed was planted there and the support began to grow.  The decision was made to incorporate as a nonprofit organization, now known as Hugs for Our Soldiers.   By becoming a member of America Supports You, the doors were opened for people from across our nation to become involved in our HUGS program.
 
Board of Director, Russ Sheldon, has been an integral part of HUGS since 2005.  He served in the United States Army from 1972-74 and is very proud of our military men and women.  Russ is dedicated to bringing troops to Duluth Fall Festival each year for them to be honored and thanked and given the red carpet treatment they so well deserve.  Russ also serves as the Director of our Georgia Chapter.
 
In 2007, Pamela and Lynn DuBose traveled to Georgia to help some of their friends during Duluth Fall Festival.  They learned that HUGS had a booth there in order to promote awareness of supporting our troops.  With Lynn being a Naval officer and with Pam’s warm and caring heart for our military men and women, both immediately volunteered to help.  They were hooked instantly and by the time the weekend was over, they expressed their desires to introduce HUGS to their home state of Florida.  Pam is now Vice President of Hugs for Our Soldiers and Director of the Florida Chapter.  Lynn is one of our Board of Directors and a great volunteer.
 
In 2008, Andy Frederick (Army retiree) and Priscilla Frederick (Marine retiree) were next to come onboard as dedicated volunteers.  Priscilla is now the Director of our Adopt-A-Soldier program and Andy is ready to answer the volunteer call whenever it is made.
 
Marty Butera, wife of a retired Marine and mother of an active-duty Army son, joined HUGS in 2008.  She is the Director of our Birthday Card program and also is a valuable liaison to the Retired Military Club in her area.