Free Moms & Dads Offer Students Free Hugs, Support

^{Above: Free Mom Lauren Kincaid hugs students.}

It’s hard to be away from home in college. Students leave behind parents, siblings and pets to attend the College of Charleston. 

Lauren Kincaid, the founder of CHS Free Moms & Dads – and grandmas and grandpas, and “anyone with a willing heart,” as she puts it – is here to make the transition a little easier. 

Based on the principle of unconditional love with no strings attached, CHS Free Moms & Dads is modeled after NCSU Free Moms, which was founded at North Carolina State University in 2019, and was established at the College in 2022.

This volunteer-based group of parents and grandparents meets every Friday at Cougar Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering support and connection to students, faculty and visitors. 

With some 20 volunteers handing out flowers, baked goods and hugs to the hundreds of students who pass by their table every week, the organization hopes to brighten people’s day.

Indeed, it’s the emotional support, Kincaid notes, that really makes a difference. “If they’re struggling at all, don’t let them struggle alone,” she says, noting that CHS Free Moms & Dads can connect students seeking extra support to resources within the College of Charleston Office of Student Wellness and Well-being. 

Small Act, Big Impact

Juliana Conover, who will graduate from CofC in May with a B.A. in psychology, became the organization’s volunteer coordinator this semester. She felt drawn to its mission and was inspired by Kincaid’s willingness to help others.

Besides, she has wanted to make a positive impact since she was little. 

“I have always seen that there was a greater need in society for those who care a little bit more, just a little bit harder,” she explains.

Joining this organization was the perfect way to put her caring nature into action.

Still, she never imagined the tangible difference she would make. Students are just “overjoyed by us being present,” shares Conover, who acts as a volunteer coordinator, helping manage the organization by onboarding new volunteers, coordinating donations and directing social media. “It’s shocking for me to see how much I can even make an impact on these students’ lives.” 

Kincaid echoes that sentiment, noting that some students struggling with loneliness and depression have told her their interactions with the group are “the best part of my week.” 

Indeed, with dozens of students returning each week to visit with CHS Free Moms & Dads, Kincaid and the other dedicated volunteers aim to be a dependable and loving presence in their lives. 

Looking ahead, Kincaid hopes the organization will continue to be a blessing to everyone at the College of Charleston and eventually expand to colleges across the country. 

Parents and grandparents interested in getting involved with CHS Free Moms & Dads can send a direct Instagram message to @chsfreemoms. 

Madeline Jacaruso is a senior communication major from Essex, Connecticut, with interests in writing, journalism and strategic communication. She is a Martin Scholar and a member of the Eta Sigma chapter of Delta Gamma sorority.