Spread Some Love
Send a Hug through WalkFM
Doug Calhoun
Ashland Beacon
Everyone has needed a hug at some point in his/her life. Some welcome and offer hugs more often than others. But, most would agree that a good hug is beneficial. A simple act of compassion, like a hug, can promote physical, spiritual, and mental health for the initiator as well as the recipient.
Hugs don’t necessarily have to be physical as the folks at Christian station WalkFM exhibit. WalkFM operates under the mantra “Encouraging Every Step.” This is not just something they do through their music and commentary. The station also offers its listeners and partners opportunities to be encouragers. One of these avenues is Butterfly Hugs® which is a program that offers an opportunity for listeners to reach out through their creativity to encourage others.
According to on-air talent Maddie Bayes, who can be heard on Middays with Maddie and Zac, Butterfly Hugs® has created a special connection between listeners and the WalkFM team. “We are constantly receiving hugs to send to people who need them. It really makes us feel like our listeners are our partners in ministry.”
So, what is a Butterfly Hug? Bayes defined them as small butterflies made from just about anything that can be put in an envelope and mailed to people who are facing loss, illness, hard times, recovery, and other difficulties. “We have received Hugs made from pipe cleaners, dyed coffee filters, pages from books, and candy bar wrappers,” explained Bayes. “The creativity of our partners often surprises us. When a unique hug comes in, it makes its way around our office,” she added.
While the origin of Butterfly Hugs® concentrated on cancer patients, WalkFM mails or hand delivers them to people facing other issues who may need a reminder that they are cared for and loved. “Life sometimes comes
with unpleasant surprises. Here at WalkFM, we want to help people know they are loved by our family of listeners and supporters whatever they may be facing. We have delivered Hugs to women’s shelters, convalescent homes, hospice care facilities, and addiction recovery centers,” Bayes said. According to Bayes, there is no deadline, as Butterfly Hugs® is an ongoing program; however, she added, “What better time to spread some love than during February.” Most of the Hugs come from individuals, but Bayes suggests that group hugs are a good way to ensure that plenty of butterflies are ready to go. “Sunday school classes, church small groups, youth groups, and even school classrooms provide perfect opportunities for friends to minister together,” Bayes noted.
Perhaps, someone feels compelled to send a Hug but does not excel in creativity. WalkFM offers an option for them as well. One can easily download Butterfly Hug® coloring sheets from The WalkFM website. PDF sheets are available for kids and more intricate designs for adults.
Additionally, anyone can request a Hug for a family member or friend in need. There is a simple form on the website that communicates the need, and the WalkFM team will gladly choose a butterfly to pair with a note of hope to let them know they are not alone.
Complete information, instructions, downloads, and inspirational stories about Butterfly Hugs® can be found at WalkFM.org/butterfly-hugs. You can hear Maddie Bayes with her on-air partner Zac Myer daily on WalkFM (91.1 FM) on “Middays with Maddie and Zac” from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.