Today is National Hug Day! What better way to celebrate it than a hug-a-thon?

Tim Harris is the owner of the “world's friendliest restaurant", Tim's Place. Tim, who was born with Down syndrome, loves nothing more than doling out hugs by the hundreds and his birthday coincidentally falls on today, National Hug Day. Happy Birthday, Tim!

Each year he holds a hug-a-thon around this love-filled day to raise money for charity. Tim and his family raise money for Firefighters Random Acts, a nonprofit run by Albuquerque firefighters. Tim's hugs are always free but he is accepting donations for hugs with a goal of giving 2,000 hugs and raising $10,000 for charity.

The charity supports firefighters' desire to helping the community in different ways. If a firefighter goes in for a rescue and sees something besides the fire that they want to help, they contact Firefighter Random Acts and they get the job done. They donate food, beds, clothes, and many other things to families in need that have been noticed by firefighters on duty. It's such a great cause! Don't you just want to give them a hug?

"I'm so happy," said Tim. "Everything is great. I truly love everyone here."

Tim is helping his community in his own special way, by opening their minds to a different perspective and helping people live openly through joy and love. His nonjudgemental example has really impacted the town; so much so that they're going to help him raise $10,000! We love good causes and good people, and this story is both those things wrapped into one!

Stay tuned for more wonderful events Tim and his crew have in store for you...