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Member Profile – Mary Ellen Esquino

Mary Ellen Esquino is a charter member of the PCRG and lives in Marshall Township of Allegheny County with her husband Pat and her children Matthew (15) and Megan (12). Her passion is helping our troops stationed in harm’s way in Afghanistan and Iraq through her position as Board Member, Adoptions Coordinator, and Treasurer of Hugs4Smiles USA.

Hugs4Smiles USA is a national soldier adoption organization whose sole mission is to support military personnel and their families. Through the Hugs organization volunteers can adopt a deployed Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine to send packages and/or letters to. There is also a part of the program in which the soldier can sign up their family back home for adoption as well. The Hugs organization is one of the few organizations that offer the family adoption program. Hugs4Smiles USA was incorporated in 2007 and recently received official 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the IRS making all donations tax-deductible. The website is www.hugs4smilesusa.org (The origin of the name was to send a packaged “hug” to the soldier to bring a smile on their face.)

She has had hundreds of individual soldiers, units, platoons and families come through the organization over the years. Some for individual support, others for support for their group, and others with special requests such as stuffed animals, soccer balls or candy to hand out to the children. Hugs has helped support Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen stationed in almost all areas of Iraq.

The PA Coalition salutes Mary Ellen for her efforts in helping out our troops. If you have a desire to adopt a soldier, please contact her at adoptions@hugs4smilesusa.org or her personal email address mesquino@zoominternet.net.

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