Patriot Run for Hugs Project of Western Kentucky returns on Saturday

The largest fundraiser for the Hugs Project of Western Kentucky returns this Saturday with the 14th Annual Patriot Run.

The Patriot Run motorcycle ride will begin and end with activities at Four Rivers Harley Davidson off Husband Road and I-24 in Paducah. Registration is $15 per biker and will begin at 10 a.m. with the ride to roll off at about 11 a.m. Gayron Ferguson of the Hugs Project told West Kentucky Star that for each of the last seven years they have had over 100 bikes to take part in the run.

The Patriot Run will take about an hour and return to Four Rivers for door prizes, raffles, and more. Ferguson said that while the riders are out on the run, that's a good time for folks to bring their cars to display for the rest of the festivities. They can register then and be able to participate in the raffles and prizes.

The Hugs Project of Western Kentucky sends boxes filled with hand-made cooling wraps, personal hygiene items, snacks, and more to boost the morale of deployed troops who may not be getting any mail from back home. 

Some items are donated, but some still have to be purchased and the shipping has to be paid for the boxes. Ferguson said they send between 100 to 125 boxes per month at a cost of about $60 each plus postage. He said they spend $1,500 to $2,000 a month in postage. He said those costs are what make fundraisers like this so important.  

Ferguson began the project when his son was deployed in Iraq and two of his buddies were not getting mail. Ferguson's son asked his father if he could send something to the friends. What started as sending three boxes a month for their 9-month tour has turned into a 16-year mission.