2007 Team All-Star Winners

Bailey R.,11, Angela R., 11, Sarah R., 8, Charles W., 6, Johannah W., 9, Tucker W., 6
Niceville, FL
Sent care packages to soldiers.

2007 Team All-Star Winner After Hurricane Katrina hit her town, Bailey and her family saw people complaining and being mean to the soldiers who were passing out water and ice. She wanted to show them her appreciation for their hard work, so she and some friends started Hero Hugs (check out herohugs.org!). They send soldiers handmade packages filled with candy, snacks, books and other fun stuff, along with notes of thanks. There�s also a stuffed bear named Hero that �visits� the soldiers, who then send photos of Hero�s adventures to Bailey�s team. So far, they�ve sent more than 22,000 packages all over the world!

How did Hero Hugs get started?

    Bailey: After we came back from getting ice and water, I got all my friends to make cards for the soldiers. Then we went back and we took them cards. Everybody said it made their day.

What kind of stuff do you send the soldiers?
    Charles: We pack snacks for them and a lot of healthy stuff for the ones that are in the hospital.
What kind of work do you do for Hero Hugs?
    Bailey: I decide what I want to have in the packages. Every month we put in different stuff, like different types of candy.

    Angela: I made some of the boxes, and I decorated them. I made some of the little cards.
Have you heard from the soldiers who�ve gotten your packages?
    Johannah: I decide what I want to have in the packages. Every month we put in different stuff, like different types of candy. Yes. They e-mail all the time. Most of them write that they loved the Oreo cookies! We send them lots of sweet stuff to remind them how sweet their family is.