From two corners of NH, a unique effort has sent holiday hugs to a third corner.
No, we couldn’t collect stuffed animals for Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD) this year, and no, we couldn’t deliver them to the hospital. But if ever there were a year when we all needed a little comfort and joy, it is 2020. So when Amherst Label sales coordinator Jessica Ackerman said she’d like to repeat her 2019 effort of giving kids at CHaD cuddle friends, extra resourcefulness was required.
In 2019 Jess and friends had initiated a new stuffed animal drive which generated a whopping 417 toys for CHaD patients. All new, all donated, all adorable. Here’s that story: https://www.amherstlabel.com/2019/10/09/amherst-label-cuddle-collection-club/
Working with her coworkers in marketing and special projects, ideas came forward. We could combine our traditional annual customer gift program with the CHaD effort, and give to CHaD In honor of our customers. We could find a source for the cuddle toys that could ship directly to CHaD with no deliveries needed. What better resource than Douglas Toy in Keene—or Douglas Cuddle Toys to locals.
Special projects manager Angela Hornor had a wonderful experience working with Elizabeth Jarvela, promotional sales manager at Douglas. Pricing, variety, delivery… everything that was needed.
the total number of 438 snugglers exceeded 2019
The shipment was sent to CHaD on November 24. Not quite as emotional for Jess and company as the trip the previous November, but the gift keeps giving. Customer response has exceeded expectations with many messages of support, for example: “What a wonderful way to allow the Christmas season to inspire an act of kindness like that.”
And the total number of 438 snugglers delivered exceeded 2019 and is still growing. An Amherst Label customer from California noticed the program promotion in a company e-mail signature and asked to participate. Employees and their families made personal donations. And Jess made her own contribution.
From two corners of NH, a unique effort has sent holiday hugs to a third corner.
Hugs for the home team
The Cuddle Collection Club group at Amherst Label decided along the way that they wanted to share the spirit of the program with some very hardworking people, in a league with Santa’s elves.
Could we give each Amherst Label employee a teddy bear and share the holiday hugs?
President Nye Hornor said yes, great idea. And so, in a year when hugging is not allowed, we are experiencing the warmth nonetheless.
An Ugly Sweater component was combined with the teddy bear giveaway and the festive results are being shared on our Facebook page.
