“Hug Time Shield” helps kids connect with their great-Grandmother amid the coronavirus pandemic
ROCKFORD — The combination of social distancing and wearing a mask makes it hard to give your loved ones a hug amid the pandemic, but that didn’t stop Carly Marinaro and her family from thinking of ways to spread love responsibly.A couple of plastic pipes, a window installation kit, duck tape, plastic gloves used for handling livestock and some ingenuity birthed what Marinaro calls “The Hug Time Shield,” which was created so her kids could give their great-grandmother a hug without the risk of spreading the novel coronovirus.The Rockford woman surprised her grandmother with the idea and caught her reaction on video and then uploaded it to Facebook. Since then the video has went viral, and at 7 p.m. on Friday it will be televised on CBS for Cedric the Entertainer’s new comedy “#ATHOME.””#ATHOME” won’t be the first time the video has seen the spotlight. Since posting it on Facebook on May 12, Marinaro’s video has received national attention from the likes of “E!” and “CNN.” It’s been nothing short of a surprise how an idea to connect her kids with their great-grandmother has garnered so much feedback.”I had no idea it would get this big. And we’ve been joking saying, ’hey when is Ellen going to call,’” she said.Although, Marinaro’s grandmother is 85, Carly says she and her kids would see their grandmother at least three times per week. However, since the pandemic hit, Marinaro says her grandmother has not been able to come around in an intimate setting for around two months.In attempt to remedy some of the social-distancing challenges, Marinaro has made her grandmother a mini-celebrity among residents in her living facility.”My grandmother lives in a condo building with about 120 units and she loved it, she’s been popular among her friends,” Marinaro said.While she never intended for “The Hug Time Shield” to go viral, Marinaro is happy that it did because of how positive and heartfelt the feedback has been.Being a mother of five, Marinario’s appreciation for simple companionship has grown as well as her empathy for those who have to continue to be more isolated to stay healthy. The essence of this video is an expression of that.”The emails and messages that I have gotten from all over the world were saying ’thanks for sharing that,’ ’that brought me so much joy,’’ oh my gosh you made me cry happy tears,’ ’I wish I could hold my grandchildren,’” Marinaro said. “I had no idea and it’s really made people feel good. So that’s what I want to keep doing. Just not take things for granted.”Shaquil Manigault: [email protected]; @RRstarShaquil

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