Be A Part Of A Love Outreach!  

Hugs & Bags is a love movement and community outreach program that serves San Diego’s food insecure, homeless, and underprivileged communities

Hugs & Bags started as an idea to raise awareness for San Diego’s homeless population. Over time with the leadership of Jacqueline Penhos and the dedication of countless volunteers this monthly event has grown from a concept to a love moment. The goal of Hugs & Bags isn’t to give a hand-out but a hand-up to those that have fallen on hard times by providing all basic needs along with the human touch in the form of a hug.

We first met Jacquie when she was a 3rd grade substitute teacher at the girls’ school.  They came home so inspired by her passion for making a difference that within weeks we found ourselves downtown helping to set up a pop-up outreach.  That day was more than sorting donations, making sandwiches, and serving those in need. It was an awakening to how the power of one woman’s commitment to making a difference can fuel a collection of strangers to become a force for good. 

During these unprecedented times she is a mother to so many in need right now - tireless, resilient, and scrappy - she is on the front line while many of us keep a safe distance.  Julia and I brought her some donations the other week and, despite the exhaustion behind her eyes, she did not voice a word of fear or stress that most of us find part of our daily talk track. She is only love and appreciation - a role model for us all and a hero in these challenging times. Her primary focus right now is helping school supply and food insecure homeless students and senior citizens in need.  

I set up this Wishlist for her to honor of all the amazing mothers I have had the privilege to know, be taught by and who lift me up daily.  Pease consider honoring the moms in your life by providing even the smallest amount of wind assist to these kids trying to continue their education in the most trying and insecure of circumstances.  

Happy Mother’s Day to you & yours! Withmuch love and gratitude, Judy