The Community Hugs program was recently launched by the United Presbyterian Church of Millstone Township. The program will provide assistance to residents in need.
Cathy Summer, who spearheads the fledgling program, wants everyone to know about Community Hugs. She is hoping people will ask for help if they need it or make donations that can be forwarded to individuals in need.
“We are new, so our biggest challenge is getting the word out and making the community feel comfortable to come to us if they themselves, or someone they know, is in need of something,” Summer said.
She said the primary goal of Community Hugs is to fulfill needs in Millstone Township and surrounding communities. All information about anyone who receives assistance will be kept confidential.
The “hugs” can be new or gently used and can include items such as clothing, shoes, linens, toys, household goods, instruments, backpacks, and more, Summer said.
“Life has enough challenges; worrying about something as simple as a pair of sneakers for your child or a blanket to keep them warm should not be one of them. As we like to say, when you are down, a hug makes a difference,” she said.
Volunteers Christine Thorne of Robbinsville and Kathy Elder of Millstone Township are assisting Summer. Other people have expressed interest in lending a hand, Summer said.
Individuals who are facing any sort of hardship, including job loss, illness, injury, or destroyed furnishings from natural causes, may request assistance from Community Hugs.
Summer said a friend was running a similar program in another part of the country.
“I loved it!” she said. “I knew it was something we needed to bring to our town and surrounding communities. As a member of the church’s Outreach Committee, I shared my ideas with them and offered to spearhead the program. The economy has been so fickle the past few years and so many folks have lost jobs, even at higher levels. People who likely thought they would never have to worry about providing for their families are doing just that. My husband was out of work for 14 months.”
Individuals who need assistance may send an email to communityhug@upcm.org. The email should include a list of items that are most important to the person making the request. The sender should put Hug Needed in the subject line. The email must include the name of the person who will receive the items being requested, the items needed, the age, sex and size of the recipient (if applicable), and preferred method for delivery of the items.
“We would love to build our base of people who want to be informed when a request for assistance comes in,” Summer said.
Interested individuals may contact the Community Hugs administrators by sending an email to communityhug@upcm.org.