Mission Heart Hug, the nation's only program dedicated to collecting and distributing shoebox gifts to military spouses, is partnering with Chick-fil-A, Crescent State Bank and Penske Truck Rental for a gift drive entitled "Mission Possible."

From this Friday through Friday, Dec. 17, central North Carolina Chick-fil-A restaurants and 13 Crescent State Bank branches will serve as collection sites for gift boxes.

Penske will provide the use of its trucks to facilitate pick-up and distribution of the shoeboxes to military spouses this holiday season.

Mission Heart Hug was started by Steven and Diane Rumley, co-founders of Encourage Her Ministries, as a way to thank and support military spouses. The son of a World War II veteran, Dr. Rumley proudly followed his brother into the Air Force, where he served for four years before beginning his life as a minister.

While many worthy programs provide shoebox gifts for the more than 1.4 million active duty soldiers in the United States and abroad, Mission Heart Hug offers a way of saying thanks by providing an opportunity to prepare shoebox gifts for military spouses this Christmas season. Mission Heart Hug has distributed around 100 shoebox gifts to military spouses and has a goal of distributing 1,000 gifts this year.

Participating Chick-fil-A locations will include a Mission Heart Hug postcard with every purchase through Dec. 17. On Dec. 14, select Chick-fil-A restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to Mission Heart Hug to support the Mission Possible holiday shoebox drive.

Supporters of the cause can participate by preparing a shoebox with appropriate gifts, along with a $7.50 donation (tax-deductible check payable to Encourage Her Ministries) to help cover shipping and other project costs, and dropping them off at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants or Crescent State Bank branches between Friday and Dec. 17.

Suggested gifts for military wives include a pocket-sized Bible, book of inspiration, lip gloss/balm, shower sponge, bath lotions/gel, body spray, note pads, journal, stationery, stamps, jewelry, etc. Suggested gifts for military husbands include a pocket-sized Bible, book of inspiration, coffee samples, non-breakable mug, nail clippers, shower gel, deck of cards, gum, hard candy, note pads and pens.

Monetary donations can be made online through a secure PayPal account at www.missionhearthug.org.

Chana, a military spouse whose husband is currently deployed in Afghanistan, wrote: "My children had been so excited to see what was in the box. To all of our surprise, most of the contents was for me. This was not very common. I wanted to send you this e-mail to say 'Thank You.' I cannot begin to explain to you how special it made me feel. No one has ever given me a gift while my husband is gone."

"We are extremely grateful for all prayers and donations that will bring small comfort to military spouses this Christmas season," said Dr. Rumley, who also serves as pastor of Potter's Hand Bible Church in Apex. "They and their family members sacrifice every day so that we may enjoy our freedoms."

Anyone needing more information can visit www.missionhearthug.org, call (919) 274-7344 or e-mail Friends@EncourageHer.org.