MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. — Just after shipping out 400 Christmas packages for servicemembers overseas, the Hugs Project of Western Kentucky is asking for community support to raise donations which will cover upcoming restock and shipping costs.
President of Hugs Project of Western Kentucky Gayron Ferguson said January, February and March are slower times typically for donations. He thinks that is likely due to people covering holiday costs, handling taxes and facing higher utility costs with the cold weather.
Recently, the Hugs Project of Western Kentucky raised funds to cover the cost of roughly 400 packages for Christmas. They had to raise $6,000 to cover postage alone.
Ferguson said the hard work is worth it.
“We are still making that kind of a difference. We are still putting someone out there that needs us. We’re still putting a smile on their face when they have no other reason to smile,” said Ferguson. “I know what it feels like to be in a room full of people and feel like you’re the only one there. That hurts. So, I don’t want them to feel that way. I want them to get something in the mail just like everybody else does,” said Ferguson.
During other months throughout the year, the organization sends 100 to 120 boxes per month. Ferguson said it typically costs between $4,000 to $4,500 per month to support restocking and postage…