Hugs Not Drugs

Clock Photo /  Nina Weinstein

For many Plymouth State students, walking through the Hartman Union Building each and every day invites the possibility of a new surprise. Whether it’s a celebration of lighting the Fireplace Lounge’s very first fall fire, or some environmentally themed trivia that could result in a student winning a water bottle, there is no lack of opportunity for the invested passerby. 

On Wednesday, February 4, students were greeted with the familiar visage of Coke’s red and white famed soda machines placed in front of the newly christened café, The Daily Paws. What made this machine special and unique, however, is that students paid for their soda with hugs. 

In a move that might mirror McDonald’s latest compassion-themed promotion, the Lakes-Region Coca- Cola Company partnered with Plymouth State University and Waterville Ski Area to bring coke and other ski-related prizes to Plymouth Staters, all at the cost of a simple hug. Upon embracing the red coke machine, emblazoned with a white heart and the phrase ‘HUG ME’ centered in the middle, students had the opportunity to win a triad of sugary sweet prizes. 

“Next Wednesday is Waterville Ski Day, so we decided to come up here and give away free cokes,” said Lakes Region Coca-Cola Bottling Company District Manager George Clark. “Along with that is the opportunity to get a free coke zero, which awards a free ski ticket, and if you get a diet coke you win a Plymouth State jacket. It’s just us trying to be part of the community.” 

For sophomore Ayla Steele, when asked what her main motivation was for hugging the machine, said “The thought of a prize was nice… and I was also thirsty. It was one of those experiences that seemed funny to do – how many people can say they have hugged a coke machine for free soda?” 

Although the event took place in the beginning half of the day, and occurred with little to no mention to students, Clark teases that “We’re going to do another event later in the year, but this one was just centered around ski day. So stay tuned.” 

Some students who might not enjoy sugary beverages may have found themselves left out for the opportunity to win a prize. With Clark’s promise of future events, however, there may be more on the horizon.