"There was an eviction notice on the door. I had no idea that I had already experienced the last moments that my family would be together."

A Story of Resilience and Comfort

Austen’s Huggable Heroes was born from a simple yet powerful idea—that a stuffed animal can bring comfort in even the toughest moments. But behind this mission lies a deeply personal story of resilience, love, and the power of a hug.

A Childhood Marked by Loss

When Austen’s mom, Whitley, was just 12 years old, she came home one day to find an eviction notice on the door. "I had just arrived to our apartment from the school bus. Everything about that day was unremarkable—until I tried to open our door. I couldn't unlock it, and no one was home. I looked up to see a notice taped to the middle of the door and immediately felt panic rush over me. There was an eviction notice. As I read, I understood what it meant; we had experienced being evicted before, but this time I was all alone. I had no idea that I had already experienced the last moments that my family would be together. That's the toughest part." Her mother had left, and she suddenly had nowhere to go. With no home, no sense of security, and an uncertain future ahead, she spent months living with a friend before eventually moving in with an aunt. Through it all, one thing remained constant—Cuddles.

Cuddles was a large stuffed lion, a gift from her mother just months before she left. It was one of the only objects from her childhood that she was able to keep, and more than just a toy, Cuddles became a source of comfort, security, and hope. When the world felt uncertain, when she didn’t know what would come next, Cuddles was there—a tangible reminder that she wasn’t completely alone. "I felt like I had a small piece of my family with me, something given to me in a happy moment, as if this stuffed lion held a memory and while holding Cuddles, that memory was tangible."

From One Hug to a Movement

Years later, Cuddles found a new home with Austen, who cherished him just as much as her mom once did. But at just 8 years old, Austen realized that not every child had something—or someone—to hold onto in tough times. She learned about children in foster care and shelters, kids who were facing uncertainty just like her mom once had. And she wanted to do something about it.

That’s how Austen’s Huggable Heroes began—with the belief that every child deserves a source of comfort. Austen started collecting stuffed animals to donate to children who need a little extra love, security, and reassurance. Because sometimes, a simple hug—whether from a person or a stuffed friend—can make all the difference.

How You Can Help

Every stuffed animal collected through Austen’s Huggable Heroes is a hug waiting to happen. It’s a reminder to a child in need that they are seen, valued, and not alone.

This weekend, we’re asking you to join the mission. If you have a new or gently loved stuffed animal, consider donating it. Together, we can spread comfort, one hug at a time.