CALMAR, IOWA ~ Some hugs don’t come with two arms wrapped around you.
Some are small enough to tuck into a pocket, carry in a purse, or hold in the palm of your hand.
And sometimes, the person who made that little hug may never know just how much it meant to the person who received it.
For Bridget (Pfiffner) Adam, those little reminders of kindness have become one of the many ways she reaches out to others.
A 1998 graduate of Waukon High School and a 2002 graduate of Upper Iowa University, Bridget has crocheted thousands of little keepsakes known as pocket hugs.
The handmade gifts are distributed through her church to people who may be facing difficult days and could use a little encouragement.
But those tiny hugs are only a small part of a much bigger story.
Bridget, who works as a computer science teacher and Building Technology Integration Leader at Holmes Junior High in Cedar Falls, has deep roots in Northeast Iowa and a remarkable commitment to serving others.
The daughter of Jim and Jan Pfiffner of Harpers Ferry, Bridget has spent years giving her time to children, families, veterans, food pantry visitors, nursing home residents, and neighbors throughout Northeast Iowa.
According to the nomination submitted in her honor for Upper Iowa University’s Service to Community Award, Bridget has served since 2022 as an advisor for the Calmar/Springfield Luther League Christians in Action youth group, helping young people discover what it means to serve others.
Together, they’ve made cards for nursing home residents, tied blankets for people in need, prepared care packages for veterans, helped with food drives, harvested sweet corn for the food pantry, and organized activities that bring smiles to their communities.
Bridget also volunteers regularly at the Greater Area Food Pantry in Calmar, helping welcome visitors, stock shelves, pack groceries, and distribute food.
And somehow, she still finds time to mentor young people through Winneshiek County 4~H, participate in church activities, organize fundraisers, and help make service opportunities possible for others.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Bridget was selected to receive Upper Iowa University’s 2026 Service to Community Award, with the presentation scheduled during the university’s October 10 Homecoming celebration in Fayette.
The recognition honors graduates whose commitment to helping others has made a meaningful difference in their communities.
But perhaps the most beautiful part of Bridget’s story isn’t the award, the number of volunteer hours, or even the thousands of pocket hugs.
It’s the example she’s setting for the next generation.
According to the nomination submitted in her honor, Bridget has often reminded her children:
“God gave us two hands ~ we better be using them.”
And judging by the lives she’s touched, she’s certainly been putting those hands to good use.
There’s something wonderfully fitting about a woman who has spent so much time helping others also making tiny hugs to remind people they matter.
Because a little kindness doesn’t have to be expensive.
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
And it certainly doesn’t have to be big.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little yarn, two willing hands, and a heart that cares enough to reach out.
Congratulations, Bridget, on this well~deserved recognition. And thank you for reminding Northeast Iowa that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave something beautiful behind.
Sometimes the biggest hugs are the ones small enough to carry in your pocket.
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There’s always another story waiting just around the corner.