1. Epsilon Sigma Alpha and Santa- America The Need for HUGs for Children

2. Santa-America Santa America brings love, hope and joy......wrapped in a warm secure Santa hug.....to special needs children and their families 365days a year.

3. What is a HUG? HUGs are child size scarves with mittens on the end They are presented to children going through the toughest situations they can face Children facing the end of life Children facing the end of life of a closed loved one Children dealing with Autism and other Spectrum Disorders Children and families of Wounded Warriors Children involved in natural disasters They give a child something to hold on to and emotionally connect with a positive experience

4. What is a HUG? HUGs were developed with input from medical professionals Washable Hypo-allergenic Soft A “connection” between child and Santa Children use the HUG when they are having a tough time Families use the HUG as part of a cherished memory HUGs are NOT the toy of the year When Santa delivers a toy, the focus shifts to the toy When Santa delivers a HUG, the focus is on the child

5. How many HUGs does Santa need? While we have been distributing HUGs, we have been limited

6. How many HUGs does Santa need? While we have been distributing HUGs, we have been limited Some children don’t get HUGs because we do not have enough

7. How many HUGs does Santa need? While we have been distributing HUGs, we have been limited Some children don’t get HUGs because we do not have enough Santa has to “choose” the children to receive HUGs

8. How many HUGs does Santa need? While we have been distributing HUGs, we have been limited Some children don’t get HUGs because we do not have enough Santa has to “choose” the children to receive HUGs In order to fill the needs we have, we will need…….

9. How many HUGs does Santa need? While we have been distributing HUGs, we have been limited Some children don’t get HUGs because we do not have enough Santa has to “choose” the children to receive HUGs In order to fill the needs we have, we will need 4,000 HUGs Per year over the next 2 years

10. What can Epsilon Sigma Alpha do to Help? Make HUGs in your chapters Patterns and instructions are available Specifications for material and ribbon to be on ESA website Send completed HUGs to Santa-America in Daphne Alabama We will then deliver to Santa where he has needs If you have meetings or events for children, contact Santa-America We will have Santa at your event Together as partners Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Santa-America bring love hope and Joy to children in tough circumstances

11. Loving and taking care of children is the rent I pay for living on this planet.