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Many of our members have loved ones that are deployed in war zones and some of our members have been called to perform service in this time of war. It does not matter if you agree or disagree with the war, our soldiers need your support. With the holidays approaching and as many deployments are being extended, it is important that they know we care and appreciate the sacrifices they make during the holiday season. There are many
websites dedicated to supporting the troops that provide you with information on how to help. We suggest “www.americasupportsyou.mil” then click on “Make a Difference”. Take time today to send a package. If you don't have a family member deployed overseas, check with your friends, colleagues, or church members to get the address of someone who is serving. Remember, a customs form is required for packages going outside the USA. If you choose not to send a package, there are many other options listed to help out.
If you choose to help in other ways, the web site can guide you through many different options such as donation of frequent flyer miles, computers, digital cameras and money as well as letters, post cards and E-mail support.
Please remember those soldiers that return home or are back on leave need support also. If you see a soldier, thank them. Pay for a soldiers’ meal. Many parents are left caring for children while their spouse is deployed. Offer to care for the children while mom or dad takes a few hours to relax or go to the store.
Please familiarize yourself with a few rules. If you choose to send a care package, be sensitive to the Islamic culture. Pork products of any kind are not allowed. Do not send alcohol, drugs or anything that may be considered pornographic. Pack your items so as not to be damaged. It can take 10 to 15 days (sometimes longer) to reach a deployed soldier so perishable items are not an option. The post office provides free priority mailing boxes, however you will still have to pay a domestic shipping rate for postage. Pack your box well as it will get bounced around in shipping for a week or two.
Once you mail your package, it is shipped to a military facility in the USA and loaded on a military transport for overseas shipment.
Listed below are some of the most frequently requested items. Those items listed in bold are the most preferred items.
FOOD and SNACKS:
Fruit Roll-Ups / Fruit By The Foot / Fruit Gummies
Beef Jerky / Slim Jims
Hard Pretzels / Cheetos / Fritos / Chex Mix / Wheat Thins
Gum and Hard Candy (must be individually wrapped)
Granola Bars / Power Bars / Cereal Bars
Small Packs of Fig Newtons, Oreos, Cheese-Its
Trail Mix, Dried Fruit, Granola
DRY SOUP: (Ramen Noodles / Cup-O-Soup-just add water)
NUTS: Peanuts, Mixed Nuts (salted)
COFFEE (Ground or whole; instant or drip), Hot Chocolate packets, Herbal teas
Pumpkin Seeds / Sunflower Seeds (salted)
MICROWAVE FOOD (Popcorn, Mac 'n Cheese)
COOKIES / Girl Scout Cookies (chocolate types Oct.
- Feb.)
NO CHOCOLATE from MARCH to SEPTEMBER
(it may melt)
Instant Drink
Mixes (Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Crystal Light)
Cheese & Cracker packs
Condiments, Spices; Sugar; Salad Dressing (no glass)
Oatmeal Packs (Instant - just add water)
Tuna in foil pouches (no cans)
Protein Powders / Protein Bars / Cliff Bars
Cereal (small, individual boxes)
Rice Krispie Treats (Store-bought only)
Caffeinated gum or candy (to stay alert)
TOILETRIES: NO HOTEL SAMPLES!
Baby wipes (travel size)
Liquid Hand Sanitizer (travel size)
Body Wash, Liquid Soap, Facial Cleanser
Shampoo /Conditioner (travel size)
Hair Gel (for female troops to pull hair back)
Combs / Brushes, Bobby Pins
Eye Drops (i.e. Visine)
Nasal Spray
Deodorant (travel size)
Razors (disposable: "Intuition" or "Mach 3" type)
Shaving Cream/Shaving Soap (in boxes or tubes; no cans!)
Cotton Swabs (i.e. Q-tips)
Band-aids, Gauze Pads, First Aid Kits
Lip balm / Chap Stick
Baby Powder & Foot Powder (travel size)
Loufa Sponges /Buff Puffs / Washcloths
Tissues (individual packs; travel size only)
Sunblock, SPF 45, Zinc, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera Gel
Bug Spray / DEET / Skin-So-Soft (by Avon)
Hand & Body Lotion / Moisturizer (travel size)
Mouthwash (travel size)
Toothpaste & Toothbrushes & Dental Floss
VITAMINS (multi-vitamins most needed)
Breath Mints / Breath Strips
Lozenges / Cough Drops
Nail files / Emery Boards / Nail Clippers
Feminine Hygiene Products
Cotton Balls
Tylenol, Motrin, Advil or Aspirin Packets
Moleskin
Shoe Insole Cushions (gel kind is best)
ENTERTAINMENT and SPORTS:
Batteries: “AA” "AAA" and “C”
35 mm disposable cameras
Small homemade gifts - little comforts of "home"
Pens & mechanical pencils
Stationery & Envelopes; blank cards to send home
Double-sided tape
Day planners / Small, Pocket Calendars
Crossword Puzzles / Word Search Books / Math Puzzle books / MAD LIBS / Logic Problems
Magazines (used okay, but no more than 3 months old)
Paperback Books
(new or used -NO HARD COVER BOOKS)
Yo-Yo's, Dominoes, playing cards, poker chips , dice
Nerf footballs / Whiffle balls / sports equipment
Frisbees / Hackey sacks
Electronic handheld games
Portable CD players / head phones
Music CDs (new or used)
DVD Movies (new or used)
Xbox & PS2 Games
(new or used)
OTHER:
Small Flashlights (powered by AA batteries)
Baggies (Zip lock, freezer type, gallon size preferred)
Patriotic knick-knacks, USA flags, flags from your state,
bandanas, baseball hats, football jerseys, banners.
Small alarm clocks (battery operated)
K-9 items: Dog treats, dog shampoo, dog toys, flea collars
Pre-Paid
phone cards (AT&T Long Distance Cards preferred)
Socks: Black, Olive Green & White (cotton or wool)
Linens: Pillow cases, twin sheets, towels (green & tan)
Cotton green & tan under shirts (Sizes: M, L & XL) (The DOD banned
"Under-Armor" shirts due to the material being potentially
flammable & creating infections in open wounds.)
Generic sunglasses
Fly swatters, fly paper, mosquito netting, bug repellant in pump bottles (NO AEROSOL CANS PLEASE!)
Air Fresheners
Religious booklets, small bibles, inspirational readings
Small toys & school supplies for Iraqi & Afghani children
Small portable heaters & fans (110 voltage okay)
Coffee Makers (110 voltage okay)
Microwave Ovens (50 lbs max;
110 voltage okay)
Silly String (canned)
