History of Shorewood HUGS

In 2008, five friends, brought together by their children, founded a non-profit women’s organization with the goal of bringing a Safety Town Program to Shorewood. Thus, Shorewood H.U.G.S. was born—an acronym for “Helping U Get Started.”

However, shortly after launching, the economy began to decline. With businesses struggling, it was impossible to ask for financial support for our project. So, we pivoted and began focusing on alternative ways to help the community by hosting “feel good” events, designed to offer a brief escape from the challenges people were facing. Our very first event was a neighborhood yard sale, which raised $1,500. We felt like rock stars!

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As our membership grew, so did our vision. In 2009, we created the Hugs & Wishes Program, a unique way to directly support the community. Unlike other wish programs, we don’t send people on vacations or cover bills. Instead, our program focuses on fulfilling immediate needs and providing emotional uplift. The goal is simple yet powerful: to spread hope throughout our community.

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In addition to our Wishes Program, Shorewood HUGS supports a variety of local organizations and community needs:  Morning Star Mission, Shop with a Cop, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Muscular Dystrophy, Pancreatic Cancer,  Alzheimer's Association, Dolly Parton's Literacy Program, and many more.

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Today, Shorewood HUGS has grown to over 50 members, fulfilled more than 1,300 wishes, and given back over $1,000,000 to support those in need. We are deeply honored to have brightened the lives of so many people in our community, and we look forward to spreading even more HUGS in the years to come!