Louisiana Girl Embarks On Nationwide Journey, Spreading Love One Hug At A Time With Police Officers

August 21, 2023

A young girl from Louisiana has embarked on a cross-country journey with a heartwarming mission: to spread love, support, and understanding by hugging police officers in cities and towns across the United States.

@Ahugforlove / Charlottesville, Virginia

Rosalyn Baldwin, 13, has traveled to 44 states, giving out thousands of hugs to police officers.

"It feels amazing," said Baldwin, the founder of A Hug for Love.

Baldwin hopes to ignite a new understanding and love for police officers, who have committed their lives to serving and protecting the people and communities in which they serve.

Her mission began after a shooting incident in her hometown. "It put a lot on my heart," Baldwin said.

@Ahugforlove / Baton Rouge Police Dept.

Since then, Baldwin has traveled thousands of miles, visiting police departments in big cities and small towns in between. At each stop, she has been met with open arms and has engaged in heart-to-heart conversations with the officers.

Great Falls Police Department Chief Jeff Newton shared his thoughts on Baldwin's mission: "I saw smiles, and it was not only Great Falls police. You had Jesse Slaughter with the Cascade County Sheriff's Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Probation and Parole, Mayor Bob Kelly, and I saw a bunch of smiles."

"To give us, not only a hug, but a sign of affirmation and respect, that means the world to us," added Tim Longo, the chief of police at the University of Virginia.

"It's an amazing experience, especially when you get to visit different departments, hang out with them, you get to see them as your family," Baldwin said.

For more information on Baldwin’s non-profit and to keep up with her travels, click here.