"Deployment is difficult for the entire family, especially the children,” said Patricia Perez, an American Red Cross program manager based in Southern California.
Perez and her colleagues wanted to find a way to make military children feel special and they’ve done that through a special program for military kids. The Hug-a-Hero Doll program gives military children a way to connect with their parent during military deployments. The program is made possible by donors in coordination with Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and Daddy Doll, Inc.,
As part of the program, units of deploying service members can request Hug-a-Hero Dolls from the Red Cross. The dolls are made in the likeness of deploying service members and feature a photo of the service member on the front, along with an optional message to the service member’s child at the bottom. Perez says that offering these dolls is one of many ways that the Red Cross helps reduce the stress and struggles that military children often encounter. “Our primary focus is to enhance a child’s resiliency and ability to cope with the stress of separation,” she noted.
Jason Brand, director, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces for Southern California, says that military programs like Hug-A-Hero Doll help military children build strength during challenging times. “Deploying and being separated from your family for six months or more is one of the greatest sacrifices made, and these dolls with photos allow the children to hold and hug their moms and dads while they are away, which comforts them during these difficult times of their lives,” said Brand.
Recognizing Military Children
The Month of the Military Child is celebrated every April to recognize the sacrifices and resilience of military children. Military kids endure frequent moves, parental deployments and the challenges that come with having a parent in the military. The month-long celebration is an opportunity to raise awareness and support for these children.
U.S. Department of Defense statistics estimate that there are more than 1.6 million military children worldwide and on average they move three times more than non-military children. Extended parental separation causes additional stress for military families. Without focused support and resources, military children may face social and emotional challenges. They may experience difficulty understanding policies and adjusting to curriculum and school climate, and difficulty qualifying for or continuing with special education services. Military kids report elevated stressors and often experience depression and anxiety.
Meeting the Needs
The Red Cross offers a range of programs and services to support military families. In particular, there are a variety of programs that focus specifically on the needs of military children.
The Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program offers a range of additional services to military families, including access to legal services, education assistance and recreational opportunities. This includes the Red Cross Hero Care Network and Emergency Care Messages, which help to connect military families during times of crisis. The Red Cross also offers reconnection workshops, specifically designed to help military children and their families cope with the unique challenges of separation and deployment. These workshops provide a safe and supportive environment where children can share their experiences and emotions, connect with other military children and learn coping skills to help them manage stress and anxiety.
Smiles for Military Kids
Hug-a-Hero Doll distribution events can be an emotional experience for those involved — an experience filled with gratitude and joy during the often-difficult process leading up to a deployment. “My first Hug-a-Hero event was on Veterans Day and to see the huge smiles on the kids’ faces and see them hold the dolls throughout the entire event was so special and was my favorite day with the Red Cross,” Brand said.
To qualify for a Hug-a-Hero Doll distribution, military units must deploy for six months or more. The unit’s representatives must coordinate with the Red Cross, which in turn communicates with Daddy Doll, Inc. and authorizes the total number of dolls. Each year, hundreds of “mommy” and “daddy” Hug-a-Hero Dolls are distributed to local military families. “We recently authorized 100 dolls for one unit,” Brand said, noting that each doll brings precious comfort and joy to military children.
The Hug-a-Hero Doll program is unique to the Red Cross Southern California Region and is one of many free Red Cross resources available for military families. Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces helps members of the military, veterans, and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service. To learn more about Red Cross services for the military community in your area, visit redcross.org/military.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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