Ideas for filling care packages for troops?

[coop68]

I need some help with Ideas for filling care packages for are troops, are campus conservative group at my college got 500 dollars from are school we are trying to work with local stores in the area to get stuff donated like boxes, packing supplies and ect.. To help fill the boxes with items we have a few ideas of things we can fill them with but would like to hear it from any active duty or retired military personal? We are going to have students fill the boxes with things they want to send and write a little 3X5 note card. We have thought about, hand sanitizer, some type of candy, simple items that could fit into a small box. But hearing thoughts from military personal would be great or anybody with ideas on the forum? Are school did a thing for Haiti, so we are doing something for are troops letting them know we appreciate what they do on a dally basis.

Thanks, Coop

[newracer]

Just so know you have to send packages to specific people. There are several websites that can help locate troops and what they need/want. Magazines and books are always good.

[Hoser]

Beef jerky was always a big hit with me.

[coop68]

yes we are aware we are just filling them and one of the members dad who is apart of an organztion is sending them for us through the springs. From my under standing i will double check before hand. thanks for your input.

[jerrymrc]

ya pack it ya send it. I started sending care packages in 67. I received them in 91. I send them still today. ;)

[ChadAmberg]

We always loved Irish Whiskey in Listerine bottles, but that was a previous war... before war became so politically correct and non-offensive.

Rather than hand sanitizer (or in addition to) those small packs of baby wipes type things. Something you can keep in your pocket and take a field shower (wipe yourself off to feel a bit cleaner) with if you need to.

[coop68]

good ideas thanks, one of are ideas we have is putting koolaid packets in the boxes i go to school in hastings NE and koolaid was invented here. let me know what you think?

[DocMedic]

good ideas thanks, one of are ideas we have is putting koolaid packets in the boxes i go to school in hastings NE and koolaid was invented here. let me know what you think?

The Koolaid singles were a big hit. Drinking nothing but water gets very "dry" lol, a little flavor never hurt lol. Slim jim jerky was always good to see, just remember anything you send has to be able to survive 150+ degree weather for couple of days out on a flight line lol.

[theGinsue]

All great ideas. In addition to the books and magazines I recommend puzzle books. Sudoku is particularly popular these days.

[CareyH]

I always throw a few cans of canned fruit in. my friends in the desert seem to like that alot. and +1 on the pre-mixed kool aid packets.

[Mtn.man]

We have been sending magazines ie: hunting, fishing, hot rods etc. even got a few thank you letters back.

[coop68]

very cool you guys thank you, your input is great. keep it coming the more the better so i can make a list and see what we can get. i plan to do this a few times we are hoping to pack at least 100 boxes if not more.

[275RLTW]

Soft tiolet paper is ALWAYS appreciated as the issued stuff is like newspaper. Drink mixes are a great idea as are sanitizers/wipes/etc. Everyone over there now has internet/dvd access so Itunes cards or cheap dvd's are appreciated. Movies get watched over and over, no matter how old. Letter writing materials such as notepads, envelopes, stamps, and similar items are appreciated as well. I would advise against hoome made food as it is usually removed by inspectors, stick to pre-sealed items.
**DO NOT SEND any alcohol, pornograpy, weapons, or ammunition*** As much as we would like to, don't do it. You will either have your package destroyed, get the soldier/marine in trouble for violating General Order #1, or in extreme cases be charged for violating international export laws.

Be sure to add a personalized note to the package. This is not a popular war and a little encouragement can be the difference between that person going out on patrol encouraged, eager, and alert or down & tired; not paying attention to the job at hand and possibly costing them their (or other's) life. I still have the 1 letter I rec'd from an 3rd grader: best day in the sandbox.

[cowboykjohnson]

My marine buddies really enjoy disposable razors, drink mixes, and TP.

[jim02]

When my coworker was in afgan, i sent him things like this and he said the stuff i sent was the best packages that anyone recieved.
i just sent the stuff i liked to have when I was in the field.
socks, jerky, small note pads, pens, hard candy, pringles (wont get crushed like bag will) thoothbrush, razors, foot powder, batteries (if you know what your guy wants) travel packs qtips, wet wipes, thats all i can think of now.

Shipping is not going to be cheap, if you want to get the most goods to them for your $, stay away heavy stuff like magazines, canned foods, etc.

[coop68]

thos are some good ideas thanks.

jim02: we are taking them to the springs were they will be shipped and put on a cargo plane for us from are understanding through my freinds dad who helps put these care packages together i am going to find more info on this before i spend any money on items. your list is helpful. thanks

[sniper7]

I shipped out a care package earlier this year and it was relatively cheap vis USPS. I think the flat rate boxes work

[newracer]

You can use USPS flat rate boxes and they are cheaper to FPO/APO addresses.

[DocMedic]

Everyone over there now has internet/dvd access so Itunes cards or cheap dvd's are appreciated...

And if you weren't Airforce? [Tooth]

[CareyH]

Shipping is not going to be cheap, if you want to get the most goods to them for your $, stay away heavy stuff like magazines, canned foods, etc.


Flat rate boxes. as long as its under 70lbs.

[gnihcraes]

Suggestion: My agency recently did this - the big hit was Deodorant. They loved getting this...

[esaabye]

How does one get some in theater addresses? This would be a good project for my kids to feel a bit more connected but don't wait for the schools to sponsor it.

[gnihcraes]

this looks like a good place to start: I just googled sending gifts to military in Iraq...

http://www.adoptaussoldier.org/

[275RLTW]

Doubt these will make it to front lines; REMF's/Fobits ususally grab up the care packages that are not addressed to someone. I guess that filing paperwork is more stressful than actually working.....

[ChadAmberg]

Doubt these will make it to front lines; REMF's/Fobits ususally grab up the care packages that are not addressed to someone. I guess that filing paperwork is more stressful than actually working.....

Damn I hate REMFs. During the Gulf War, I had to go into Iraq wearing old style green camo, because when I walked into the admin tent to do some paperwork before flying in, all the admin tools were wearing brand new desert camo. Those smegheads had requisitioned every last piece of desert camo on base for their own personal use. My commander was seriously POd.

[hobowh]

My buddies always ask me to run to the used book store and add 5 or 6 books to the mix, they read them then pass them on, and don't feel ba if they get left somewher.the jerky always goes over well, as well as the habenero tobasco, and jolly ranchers, and bear creek powdered soup mix, the ones you just add water to.

[ChadAmberg]

You know what we liked...
Someone had set up a sign somewhere out in a public park. The sign said "We love our troops." And then whoever it was sat there with a camera, and took picture after picture of everyone who came up and stood next to the sign and posed. We got a big stack of pictures of all these random people standing next to the sign and waving. That was pretty awesome.