The Power of Community Connections
Staff at the Terry Erickson Boys & Girls Club in La Crosse unpack food for local families. The effort was organized by UW–La Crosse Graduate & Extended Learning youth program staff, in collaboration with Hugs From Hunter Foundation, to comfort kids in crisis.
Coming Together to Support Local Families
At Hugs From Hunter Foundation, our mission is simple yet powerful — to comfort kids in crisis. Whether it’s through a soft teddy bear, a warm blanket, or a meal shared with family, we believe small acts of kindness can bring comfort during difficult times.
A Call for Help
Recently, our friends at UW–La Crosse Graduate & Extended Learning (GEL) reached out. Their team partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse to provide youth programs each summer. Staff at La Crosse’s Terry Erickson Boys & Girls Club shared that several families they serve were facing food insecurity, and GEL wanted to do something to help.
Community Collaboration in Action
Knowing Hugs From Hunter Foundation’s mission to comfort kids in crisis, GEL staff contacted Hugs From Hunter Foundation to request funds to purchase groceries and prepare meals for these families. Together, we made it happen.
With funds from Hugs From Hunter Foundation, GEL volunteers shopped, cooked, and delivered food to families connected through the Terry Erickson Boys & Girls Club. Their efforts provided:
🍝 20 pre-cooked meals for a family of 4 (spaghetti & meatballs with garlic bread and teriyaki chicken with broccoli & rice)
🥣 20 boxes of cereal
🍎 30 pounds of apples
🍫 160 granola bars
🥐 192 breakfast pastries
These nourishing meals brought both comfort and relief to local families, showing what’s possible when community members come together with compassion and purpose.
The Heart of What We Do
This project is a shining example of how community partnerships amplify compassion and reach. When local organizations work together, we can reach farther, respond faster, and better support kids and families when they need it most.
We’re deeply grateful to UW–La Crosse Graduate & Extended Learning and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse for their kindness and collaboration. Together, we continue to honor Hunter’s legacy by spreading comfort to kids in crisis.
How You Can Help
You can be part of this ripple of kindness.
💛 Donate today to help us continue comforting kids in crisis.
💛 Partner with us on local outreach projects.
💛 Share this story to inspire others in our community.
When we connect with one another, we create more than meals or donations — we create hope.