Company description::
If you've wanted to become a volunteer, but you were unsure where to begin, here's a way anyone of any age or skill level can volunteer and make a difference in the life of a child.
The power of the Internet, a unique web site, www.hugsandhope.org, and a group over 2,000 caring volunteers come directly to the bedsides of children who are battling life-threatening illnesses.
Since October of 2000, families with sick kids have been logging onto the HUGS and HOPE Club for sick kids web site to post their stories and make new friends.
The club offers a chat group for parents where they can interact with others in similar situations. These exchanges provide parents with contacts and links to helpful resources such as free air travel, assistance programs and free medical services nationwide.
"We consider ourselves a link between sick children's families and the organizations or individuals who can help them," says Jordan. "Our site and our volunteers offer help to find solutions to a myriad of problems."
"Because we are an internet based group," explained Jordan, "when families in crisis need a friend or information, it's only a mouse click away 24 hours a day. The organization's easy access allows house- and hospital-bound kids and their parents to make and maintain friendships.
Jill K., whose son Zackery was hospitalized for several months during a bone marrow transplant, said, "This is a wonderful organization. It gives my son something to look forward to besides needles and doctors." After Zack's story and photo were posted on the Hugs and Hope website in December, he received hundreds of cheery cards and packages from visitors to the web site.
The group's volunteers stay updated on kids like Zack through the chat group and weekly online newsletters. Says Jordan, "The Internet is a powerful tool and it's great to be able to use it to help families in a positive way."
Every year, more than 30,000 children are admitted to hospitals in the United States. The HUGS and HOPE club is trying to reach as many of those kids as possible to "send them smiles across the miles" and put a little fun and laughter into their lives again.
Helping to ease the suffering of kids -- that's what HUGS and HOPE is all about. If you'd like to be involved with the HUGS and HOPE Club, all it takes is a desire to help a child smile and the cost of a card and a postage stamp. Visit the website to read the stories of children who could use some "happy mail." http://www.hugsandhope.org
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