Volunteers Pack Hugs Pillows For Kindergartners At Title 1 Schools

HERNDON, VA — Twenty members and friends of the Assistance League of Northern Virginia spent Tuesday packing 420 heart-shaped pillows as part of National Hug & High 5 Day. The pillows were then delivered to four Title 1 elementary schools in Fairfax and Prince William counties to be distributed to kindergarten students.

The Dunbarton Hugs Team in Bristow, Virginia makes the pillows for the Assistance League. Volunteers then stuff each pillow with a Beanie Baby, a book, a toothbrush and toothpaste in order to encourage the kindergartners to develop a good bedtime routine at an early age.

" We could not have such a beautiful Hug Pillow program without these dedicated community volunteers," according to an Assistance League release. "Our packing of these custom-made pillows brings every volunteer much joy. We love selecting the colorful pillows that will be stuffed with goodies and the thrill of finding the perfect Beanies to match the vibrant fabrics. We packed all those pillows in just over an hour, despite the oohing and aahing about the cute pillow combos."

The Assistance League's next packing workshop is scheduled for next spring. To find out how to help or find out more information, visit the Assistance League of Northern Virginia's website.