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Karen
Stark |
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Karen Stark
58 - Edmond, OK
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Looking for a way to support U.S. troops and improve their quality of life as they complete their important mission of freedom, Karen Stark found her own mission when she created The HUGS Project. This nationwide troop support group creates cooling neckties (nicknamed "hugs" since they go around the neck) that reduce body temperature by 5 degrees or more, effectively saving many of our troops from heat stroke deaths. (Hugs can also be heated in winter to make reusable hand/pocket warmers.)
In the winter, The HUGS Project volunteers crochet, knit, loom, and sew warm wool hats, neckwarmers and fingerless gloves for the troops. They also make and send colorful hats, small stuffed bears and school bags filled with school supplies that service members can share with Iraqi and Afghani children. As of Dec. 2007, The HUGS Project and its dedicated members have sent over 300,000 "hugs", more than 50,000 "kisses" (helmet coolers), and more than 90 TONS of care package items.
Today, The HUGS Project is in every state of our nation and more than 30 other countries, with 2,700 online members and thousands more who do the project either individually at home or through 4-H Clubs, home school groups, quilting circles, Sunday school classes, etc. as well as "group hugs" held nationwide. Karen and members of the Oklahoma City group have donated 20 sewing machines to a prison outreach program so that the inmates can also help by making items such as neck pillows and Christmas stockings. The HUGS Project even manages to serve as a lifeline for military families who report that sewing cooling neckties or knitting warm items make their loved ones' deployment a little more bearable. By being involved with The HUGS Project, many military families are able to focus their energy on creating something tangible to help the troops, and, in the process, help themselves.
That's why Karen is a 2007
Woman Of Worth. |
