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Through mid-March, a Jasper, Ind.-based Kimball Office select dealer, Office Furniture Partnership in Morristown, N.J., implemented a “Hugs from Home” program that supported local troops with much-needed supplies. The program gave 12-inch, clear, plastic tubes to businesses to fill with items for soldiers.

As troops continue to enter the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is not uncommon for soldiers to run low on basic toiletries, snacks or entertainment, according to Kimball Office. In many cases, soldiers rely on friends and family to send care packages, but sometimes it is the gifts from strangers, organizations and communities that have a big impact on morale. “Since we started the program four years ago, we've shipped more than 7,000 ‘hugs,’ and each year companies get more creative with the items they put into their tubes,” said Bob Rigby, principal for Office Furniture Partnership. “To make it easy for companies to identify what troops need and want, a list of guidelines and commonly requested items accompany the tubes. We try to make it as simple as possible to participate.”

The tubes were provided to interested companies and were returned within a few weeks for delivery. Operation Jersey Cares managed the logistics for shipping to regional units or specific troops.

“We appreciate our select dealers taking initiative to provide companies with a creative outlet to support our troops and provide much-needed supplies,” said Dirk Manning, vice president of sales for Kimball Office. “The soldiers appreciate the gesture and enjoy receiving food, toiletries and games during their long deployments away from home.”

Companies interested in participating in the next “Hugs from Home” can contact Bob Rigby at bobr@officefurniturepartnership.com or (973) 867-3403.