Our Mission
Project Angel Hugs' mission is to provide emotional support and encouragement to children affected by cancer and their families while inspiring a lifelong commitment to service in the hearts of youth.
The Project Angel Hugs Impact
Project Angel Hugs began with the heart of a five-year-old girl named Vanessa Jensema. In 1999, Vanessa was diagnosed with leukemia. During her treatment, she noticed that many of the other children in her hospital unit were not receiving the cards, gifts, and support that she was. Wanting to make a difference, Vanessa and her mother, Char Jensema Grider, decided to do something about it. That is how Project Angel Hugs was born.
Sadly, Vanessa lost her battle with cancer in 2001 at just seven years old. Determined to carry on her daughter’s compassion and vision, Char continued to grow Project Angel Hugs, reaching more children and families in need.
In 2012, the organization experienced another heartbreaking loss when Char passed away in a motorcycle accident. Today, Project Angel Hugs continues in honor of both Vanessa and Char, carrying forward their legacy of kindness, compassion, and service.
Located in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Project Angel Hugs remains dedicated to bringing joy, comfort, and encouragement to children battling cancer and their families.
Our Heart in Action
Project Angel Hugs exists because of Vanessa's wish to make sure no child facing cancer feels alone. Today, that same spirit lives on through the programs we offer, bringing comfort, joy, and encouragement to every child we serve.
Angel HUG Program
An Angel HUG is a special box created to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to children battling cancer.
Angel HUGs are provided to children who are actively undergoing cancer treatment and are available for two years following enrollment in Project Angel Hugs. Each box is thoughtfully filled with toys, gifts, candy, seasonal goodies, and other items chosen with the child’s interests and needs in mind.
Each HUG also includes a handmade craft created by youth and volunteers, adding a personal reminder that someone is thinking of them and cheering them on.
Holiday HUGs include a special item for each sibling under the age of 18, recognizing that cancer affects the entire family.
Our current HUG occasions include Valentine’s Day, Easter, Summer, Halloween, Christmas, and the child’s birthday.
Angel KISS Program
Children who have been part of the Angel HUG Program for two years transition to our Angel KISS Program, allowing us to continue celebrating and supporting them throughout the year.
Angel KISS recipients receive a handmade card and craft for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Summer, Halloween, Christmas, and their birthday. Each is lovingly created by youth and volunteers and is meant to bring a little extra joy to a child’s day.
Every Angel KISS is a simple reminder that they are remembered, cared for, and surrounded by people who are cheering them on.
Hospital HUG Program
The Hospital HUG Program brings comfort and joy directly to children receiving treatment in oncology units. Through a partnership with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Project Angel Hugs delivers gifts that help brighten spirits during challenging days.
Each Hospital HUG allows children touched by cancer to experience the joy of the seasons, even while they are away from home. Throughout the year, we deliver toys, gifts, and themed items for summer, Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter.
Local Youth Mission
Project Angel Hugs believes that working with local youth is an important part of our mission. We encourage youth to get involved through 4-H groups, church youth groups, school classes, and other organizations.
When youth visit, they learn about our mission and the impact of bringing comfort to children touched by cancer. During their time with us, they create heartfelt cards and crafts filled with encouragement, which are included in our HUG programs to bring smiles, hope, and a personal touch to every child we serve.
It is our hope that these experiences inspire youth to continue volunteering. Through their involvement, they learn the power of compassion, kindness, and community.
