DLTK's Crafts for Kids
"Hugs and Hope" for children.

This week, one of our viewers wrote:

"I stumbled upon your site today quite by accident; but I loved it so much that I plan to pass on the link.  Lots of the goodies on your pages could be used by people who want to send cards, coloring pages, etc.  To cheer up sick children.

Here is a little more information about the Hugs and Hope organization."

Hugs and Hope (www.hugsandhope.com) was founded by a Wisconsin grandmother, Marsha Jordan. The first children were featured on the website in October of 2000. Featured children suffer from some form of illness or disease, and are ages 17 and under. We sometimes have 2 children featured for the month, sometimes 7 or 8! Each month, the children's stories are posted, along with a photo and a mailing address (a friend's house or a P.O.  Box). Visitors to the site are asked to send "happy mail" to the kids and their siblings.

Some of the ongoing programs that we run include the Birthday Box and the Balloon Bouquet programs, the Elf Project,  Cupid Project, and a Wish Program. The Elf and Cupid Projects are for Christmas and Valentine's Day. Sponsors sign up to "adopt" one of the kids (or a sibling) to send them a care package for the holiday.

The Birthday Box program ensures that each child (including siblings of our featured kids) gets a birthday box from a sponsor.  Each box includes everything needed for a birthday party, such as a cake mix, frosting, party-themed balloons and paper plates, a gift, and more!

The Balloon Bouquet program benefits our sickest kids. When a child is hospitalized, they usually cannot have any fresh flowers in their rooms - so our sponsors send a balloon bouquet to help brighten their room and cheer them up.

The stress of having a sick child takes a toll on the entire family.  It not only strains the emotions, but the finances of a family as well! The Wish-Granting program is our newest project, and it's off to a great start! With the help of some generous volunteers, we've managed to grant the wishes of more than 15 kids. Some of the wishes we've granted so far include tickets to a theme park, bicycles, family portraits, pets, and swing sets. Some of our members have even joined together to help grant a child's wish - it's a fantastic feeling to know you've helped make a child's wish come true!