Hugs Project Delivers Thousands Of Care Packages To Oklahoma Troops

Jamie Oberg, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Hugs Project did not think they had enough to meet their 4,500 care package goal.

Wednesday, with the help of soldiers and civilian volunteers young and old, they exceeded their goal shipping off 5,000 boxes to troops in Afghanistan.

"We have a brigade of soldiers, civilians and kids, elderly, young, employed, unemployed, all of the above, doing the same thing," Ret. SSGT. Ted Krey said. "Supporting our troops."

Retired Staff Sergeant Ted Krey knows what it's like to be on the receiving end, opening up one of the special Christmas boxes...sent with love and care from the Hugs Project."I was actually overseas they sent out a care package for a soldier who wasn't there," Ret. SSGT. Krey said. "[It's like] like Christmas... I love getting something from my wife or daughter, but it's what comes from a complete stranger, reminds you how great this country is"

It took a lot of work local volunteers their hard work paid off, they exceeded their goal of sending 45 hundred Christmas boxes; Five thousand are on their way to Afghanistan, going to all different branches of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.

"It's nice to know you're supported and loved back home and what you're doing makes a difference," Navy MA1, Richard Crowell said. It took hundreds of hour of packing, not to mention...donations and time.

Darth Vader, Superwoman and Adjutant General Deering even stopped by Wednesday to help ship out the boxes...down to the littlest volunteer who says he know how important the recipients of the Christmas boxes are and to Oklahomans.

"We're proud of them and this is how you do it right here, you're awesome and they might not have another Christmas with their families, and they come back and you say good job we're proud of you," Jackson Oplotnik said.

It cost $67,000 to ship all 5,000 boxes overseas, and the hugs project could still use some help.

Find out how you can help The Hugs Project with your donation!

The troops should receive those care packages just in time for Christmas!