Page Title

The Science Behind Hugging & Mental Health
 

Hugging provides powerful mental and physical health benefits, including:
 

• Stress Reduction: Lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress and promoting relaxation

• Boosting Oxytocin: Releases oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone," fostering warmth and emotional security.

• Enhancing Immune Function: Studies suggest that regular hugs strengthen the immune system.

• Increasing Happiness: Stimulates dopamine and serotonin, improving mood and reducing anxiety. 
   

How to Participate
 

The HUG Challenge is open to everyone! Consent is imperative—always ask before hugging.
 

• Give a Hug: Share a hug with a family member, friend, classmate, or colleague and collect a donation per hug (any amount). By giving a hug, you are now a “Hug Ambassador”!  

• Hand Hug or Virtual Hug: For those uncomfortable with physical hugs, alternatives include hand hugs, heartwarming messages, virtual cards, etc - be creative!

• Record & Share: Photograph or, better ye Film creative ways to spread love and awareness, then post on social media using #HugHealHope #BreakDownHUG to encourage others.

• Challenge | Nominate Others: Challenge friends, family, classmates, or coworkers to participate and continue the chain of support.
   

Fundraising & Donation Process
 

• Donation per Hug: Participants can collect any amount per hug (e.g., $2, $5, $10, $25, etc. per hug) and encourage their networks to do the same.

• Donate Online: Supporters can donate via BreakDown STL’s website (Select "HUG Campaign" under “Apply My Gift To”). Add Hug Ambassador’s name in the “Additional Comments” at the bottom of the page

• Checks: Made payable to BreakDown STL with the Hug Ambassador’s name in the memo line. Mail to: 16105 Swingley Ridge Rd. #165, Chesterfield, MO 63006

• Corporate Matching: Businesses can match donations to maximize impact.

• QR Code: Share this downloadable QR code to streamline donations.

• Tax Receipts: Will only be issued upon request.

• Mobile Payment Apps: While BreakDown STL cannot accept Venmo or CashApp directly, participants may collect donations and submit them via check or online donation.

 

Incentives & Rewards
 

Weekly Drawing: Everyone who donates or raises funds online for the HUG Challenge will be entered into a weekly drawing to win exclusive BreakDown STL merch!
 

• Want extra chances to win?

  • Post a photo or video participating in the challenge using #HugHealHope and #BreakDownHUG

  • Like, comment, and share BreakDown STL’s HUG Challenge posts on social media.
     

Winners will be announced weekly on our social channels, so stay tuned

 

Rules & Consideration
 

• Respect & Consent: Always ask before hugging. Participation should be voluntary.

• Alternative Options: Those uncomfortable with hugs can choose other ways to show support.

• Health & Safety: Participants should follow public health guidelines.

• Honest Participation: Ensure all hugs and donations are logged accurately and given to BreakDown STL.

 

Campaign Timeline
 

• Launch: April 6, 2025 at the West County Assembly of God community event.

• Duration: April 6 – May 31 (May is Mental Health Awareness Month).
   

Marketing & Outreach
 

• Social Media: Participants will share posts using #HugHealHope #BreakDownHUG to encourage engagement.

• Press & Media: Local news | Radio stations will be engaged to promote awareness.

• Influencer Partnerships: Community influencers will help amplify the campaign.

• Corporate Engagement: Businesses and organizations will be encouraged to participate and match donations.
   

Volunteer Opportunities
 

• HUG Ambassadors: Help spread the HUG Challenge within your networks, school, church, or community. Share the message, invite others to participate, and be a voice for truth, hope, and love.

• Event Coordinators: Assist in planning, organizing, and running local HUG Challenge events. Great for detail-oriented and energetic individuals who love bringing people together.

• Digital Team: Support BreakDown STL’s online presence by managing social media content, creating videos, responding to engagement, and helping spread the campaign digitally.

• Media & PR Coordinator: This role leads the charge in gaining public exposure for the HUG Challenge! It includes reaching out to local news outlets, radio stations, community bulletins, influencers, and podcasts to help amplify our message and mission.
   

Conclusion

The BreakDown STL HUG Challenge is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement! By coming together, we can raise awareness for mental health, support youth, and share the love of Jesus through simple acts of connection. Every hug, every share, and every donation makes a difference.
 

Join the challenge today and help us create a lasting impact—one hug at a time! #HugHealHope | #BreakDownHUG 

 

A Simple Hug. A Stronger Tomorrow.