Welcome to our site!

Hi! My name is Olivia Wright... welcome to my website all about my community service project, Help Us Give Shoes --- or, just H.U.G.S.! I am so happy you stopped by ! It is my hope that as you check out my page, you will be inspired  to go out and see where YOU can help make a difference in our world! 

Tennessee H.U.G.S. has certainly grown and made a difference all over the world during 2011! My goal of collecting 10,000 shoes was met, and currently we have collected over 15,200 pair of shoes! In 2011, we were blessed to not only carry shoes three times to families in the Appalachian Mountains , but have had friends and missionaries carry shoes (as well as flip flops and socks) to children in the Domican Republic, Uganda, Russia, and various cities across the United States. When the devasting tornados blew through and destroyed so many people's lives in Tuscaloosa and Alabama, Tennessee H.U.G.S. jumped into action collecting and delivering items to carry to my Mom's homestate, taking 3 different. These trips changed my life and reaffirmed that I am doing what God has called me to do with H.U.G.S.

My friend Morgan Rainey started a Louisiana H.U.G.S. and delivered shoes that she collected to families in her homestate and made a difference right here in the United States! In October 2011, I rallied my friends for one of my favorite events: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The AMAZING Team H.U.G.S. collected just over $1000! To round out the year, my school collected scarves and mittens on a christmas tree and H.U.G.S. delivered these to the homeless through an amazing organization here in Nashville, The Bridge Ministry! I am constantly amazed by the people who help us collect and distribute our items!

I am an thirteen-year-old girl who one day is going to be a doctor and missionary, helping people all over the world. Until then, I spend my free time volunteering for organizations I love. Some people would like me to believe that I am too young to make a difference, but I know that kids my age can make a difference.    I have also learned that giving is it's own reward.  

So take a look around my site, and have fun! I would love to hear from you, so feel free to get in contact by clicking the "Contact Us" link and sending me an e-mail. You can also become a fan of us on Facebook... just click Facebook icon below to view out group!

Become a fan of H.U.G.S.!

"When I  volunteer, my heart feels so full of joy because I can see the difference I am making in the lives of other people or animals I help. I know that God wants me to reach out and help others who may not be as blessed as me, but may be just as deserving of the things that I am able to have. This is why I volunteer! I have a huge heart, and I am healthy and able, so I find any opportunity I can to serve others in my community."

- Olivia Wright, 13 Years Old
Founder of H.U.G.S.