Little by little, over the course of many meetings, loose change and small bills were collected and accumulated by members of the HUGS moms group at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Rochester. When the collections totaled several hundred dollars, the HUGS group donated the money to Assistance League® of Southeastern Michigan to support Operation School Bell®, a program that provides new coats, clothing and necessities to children in need.

St. Paul's HUGS volunteers-who are committed to community service and say they are united in humor, understanding, growth, and support-participated in Operation School Bell in Oakland County last fall. They have become enthusiastic supporters of the program and have decided to donate time and money whenever possible.

Operation School Bell sets up make-shift stores to provide free necessities to more than 3,000 school-age children annually in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. In existence since 1995, and having served more than 20,000 local children so far, Operation School Bell sets up racks and tables in school buildings and gymnasiums and allows each student to choose the following new items: a winter coat, hat and gloves, shirts, pants, underwear and socks, hygiene kit, a book, and a duffel bag.

"St. Paul's HUGS volunteers grew to love the program," said Sue Evans, HUGS coordinator.

"Our HUGS volunteers are mothers and grandmothers of all ages who were moved by the simple gesture of allowing children to shop for their own new items. These children are generally accustomed to hand-me-downs that are often in poor condition, may not fit well, and rarely feel like their own. Or in worse cases, they may not have access to a warm winter coat or seasonally appropriate clothing at all. It is gratifying to provide these simple necessities that we often take for granted," Evans said.

At the beginning of each HUGS meeting, members pass around an envelope and collect small amounts of money. "Once we had enough money to outfit at least five children through Operation School Bell, we donated it for that purpose. We want to help the community and we will do it a few children at a time, for as long as we can," Evans said.

Camille Doerr accepted the HUGS donation on behalf of Assistance League. "We are so grateful for this community of generous and faithful women. They understand the importance of a steady commitment to children and families in need."