(Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

MARIETTA — A social‒impact brand in West Virginia is taking preorders for its Free Hugs T-shirts in a campaign to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs and the Ohio‒West Virginia Youth Leadership Association.

The shirts will promote everyday connection, compassion and kindness, according to 1BillionHugs founder Reed Byers.

The made‒in‒USA, eco‒friendly T-shirt is produced with Mountain Mindful, an Appalachian social enterprise providing career pathways for people facing barriers to employment.

“We’re turning a simple T‒shirt into a reason to talk, listen and care,” Byers said. “Every hug is consent‒first and opt‒in. It’s an invitation, not an expectation. In a time of isolation, addiction, and mental‒health strain, a small act can ripple into real connection.”

The campaign invites West Virginians to use the shirts as conversation starters at schools, churches, workplaces, recovery meetings and other. Preorders are open now at 1billionhugs.com.

1BillionHugs is a social‒impact apparel brand to create a more connected world through 1 billion acts of love, compassion and kindness. For more information, go to 1billionhugs.com.

Mountain Mindful designs, prints and ships products while creating career pathways for people facing employment barriers.

Byers is a grassroots philanthropist, social entrepreneur and motivational speaker whose work is to turn adversity into community impact. He has served on 10 executive boards, overseeing nine‒figure revenues across education, suicide prevention, community development and entrepreneurship.

His TEDx Talk, “How to Save a Life,” addresses suicide and the responsibility we share to care for ourselves and one another.