These 'pocket hugs' are there to put a smile on the face of NHS workers battling a pandemic and patients trapped in hospital alone.
They will provide much-needed comfort in dark times - all thanks to a selfless eight-year-old who missed his grandmother.
Stefan Ormston, from Blyth, Northumberland, has created a huge stack of small laminated cards, decorated with a rainbow, which read "a pocket hug for when you need it".
Because the cards are laminated, they are easy to clean and can be safely handed out in hospitals.
He has sent them to hospitals across the Northumbria Health Foundation Trust area, where they're intended to cheer up staff and patients who, due to social distancing, might not be able to enjoy their usual human contact.
Mum Rachael, 30, said: "He spends a lot of his time with my mum - he's seen her pretty much every day of his life.
"She used to work as a carer for dementia patients but she took early retirement so I could go back to work when he was born, so this is the longest he's ever gone without seeing his grandma.
"It's hit him really hard, and he wanted to get her something nice with his pocket money. We found these wooden pocket hugs online, and he wanted to get her one, but they were £7 each and when he thought of how many other people he'd want to get one for he realised he couldn't afford them with his pocket money.
"So he decided to make them - he started by making about 25 for friends and family, and I dropped them off on my daily walk. He just kept going. Another 40 went to his school for teachers and staff.
"Then we contacted the NHS to ask if it would be ok to send some to the hospitals. It was just something people could have to make them smile when they can't have a hug. We got the ok and sent about 40 over.
"He then said to me 'that's not going to be enough for everyone that needs one' so he's going to make some more."
The St Wilfrid's Primary School pupil has always wanted to help others, often insisting on using his own pocket money to buy gifts for baby brother William and taking part in charity events.
But the coronavirus crisis has made him all the more keen to do things for others.
Shy Stefan doesn't even want credit or praise for the idea, Rachael said, just to cheer others up.
"His words were 'I don't need a thank you, I'm not the one doing all the work'," she added.
"He just wants to make people happy. He's such a lovely little boy who just wants to make everyone smile - he said when he was looking out of the window at people going past, there were't enough smiles. He's like a little old man sometimes, wise beyond his years, but I wouldn't change him for the world."
He may not be doing it for thanks, but Stefan's thoughtful gift has been hugely appreciated by healthcare workers who wanted to say thank you.
Suzanne Burbidge, a ward manager at Blyth Community Hospital, said: “Stefan’s thoughtfulness and kindness will mean so much to patients and staff alike.
"The idea of being able to carry a hug around with you in your pocket at this difficult time, and at a time when we can’t hug each other, is such a special idea! The support we are receiving from individuals and local communities is very much appreciated.
"Thank you Stefan, we send you a big hug back!”
