Hero Hugs
You’re never too young to help our soldiers, and a little girl named Bailey Reese is pure proof! At the age of seven, Bailey’s home was caught in the midst of a hurricane. When she and her mother went to receive ice and water from a military checkpoint, Bailey observed people complaining and not treating the soldiers with respect. Bothered by this behavior, Bailey asked her mother why they were treating the soldiers in this manner.
Bailey’s mother tried her best to explain that the people were under stress and weren’t behaving in their best manner. Bailey wouldn’t accept that excuse. She firmly announced that the soldiers had left their families and homes to help those who were suffering and they should receive thanks, not complaints.
Taking action (as most seven year olds do), Bailey promptly rallied together the children in her neighborhood to create Thank You notes for the soldiers. Bailey’s mother, Diana Reese, brought the letters to the troops, and the rest is history.
Now, four years later, Bailey’s organization, Hero Hugs (http://www.herohugs.org) has sent more than 21,000 care packages to soldiers. It has been estimated that the retail value of those packages is approximately $175,000.
As Bailey’s organization began to grow, she decided that she needed a mascot. The mascot is a bear created by Build a Bear that wears a military suit, and is named Hero. In 2004, Bailey sent Hero the Bear to the Balad Air Base, and Hero’s tales have been vast. The soldiers have adopted Hero, and post pictures of Hero serving with the soldiers. This has proved to be an excellent way for children to understand and relate to the role of service men and women are providing in the war.
One of the most amazing qualities regarding Bailey Reese is that she was just a child with a strong passion for the disrespect of our soldiers that she witnessed. At such a young and tender age, she was able to turn that passionate outcry into a postive action. She continues to devote much of her time to her organization and has helped numerous soldiers. She takes it upon herself to stand in front of stores every weekend, discussing her organization with passers by, in attempts to raise funds. To date, Hero Hugs sends between five hundred to over twelve hundred appreciation packages to our troops.
Hero Hugs, like any other well-run organization, consists of a board. Another amazing aspect of Hero Hugs is that the entire board of directors is comprised of children, with the oldest members being fifteen years old.
Hero Hugs shows that you are never too old, or too young, to help our soldiers. Bailey Reese’s story is truly inspiring and though she has won many awards and received national recognition for her efforts, it is a good lesson for all to learn from her example.
Everyone can do something to help our troops. Whether it is simply donating your money to an organization or purchasing items for a care package, or just writing a letter to a soldier who may be lonely, every little bit that you do helps, and will let our soldiers know that they are not forgotten, but are honored and respected.