Shorewood HUGS Nears Fulfilling Its 1,000th Wish

SHOREWOOD, IL — The Shorewood HUGS organization wants to get out the word that it is nearing its 1,000th wish. Shorewood HUGS said it is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 by a group of five moms who wanted to give back to the community.

The group also has an upcoming fundraiser this Friday in Channahon at the River Hawk Brewery, and another fund-raiser is set for Aug. 14 in Shorewood at the Will County Brewing Company. Raffle tickets will be on sale at each event for $25, with the chance to win prizes of $250 to $1,000. Winners will be chosen Aug. 31.

"Our HUGS & Wishes Program was created the following year to lift the spirits of people going through a difficult time. With the help of our now 50 members, HUGS fulfills wishes within a 20-mile radius of Shorewood throughout the year," the organization announced.

This fall, Shorewood HUGS said it is partnering with D’Arcy Motors to fulfill its 1,000th wish.

"Several years ago, we fulfilled a wish for a single mother named Morgan, who had left her marriage to give her children a better life," the news release announced. "The wish touched Morgan's heart and gave her hope to move forward. As several years passed and Morgan was in a better place, she remembered that act of kindness and vowed to pay it forward to another single mom one day.

"On October 10th, Morgan would like to pay it forward. She is running the Chicago Marathon to raise money towards purchasing a reliable used car for a single mom for our 1,000th wish. She believes that a car is the 'golden ticket to independence' for a single mom. D’Arcy Motors will match the amount raised up to $5,000 to help purchase the car."

People can donate through Morgan’s site at www.hugs1000thwish.com. or through the link on the Shorewood Hugs Facebook page.

"We are very proud that our organization has been able to lift the spirits of a 1,000 individuals, children, and families since we began," announced Heidi Serena, a founding member of Shorewood HUGS.

To donate or submit an application: go to: www.hugs1000thwish.com.

Application deadline is Aug. 31. The chosen person will be announced Oct. 12. To purchase a raffle ticket or for more information, visit the website for the Shorewood HUGS organization here.