I did have two brothers, both of whom were stationed in Iraq. So I know how much it means to them to get things from home. It takes a while to ship things over, so if you have plans to support the troops in this way, plan ahead. Below is a guest post regarding this topic.
The holidays are fast approaching. Big-Box retailers are already lining their shelves with artificial Christmas trees and ornaments; letters to Santa are already being written. But, for some of the nation’s bravest, the holidays bring about yet another moment they are sacrificing to help keep our country safe.
Millions of men and women are still overseas. President Obama has ordered that nearly 10,000 service men and women return home by December 31 of this year, but according to ABC News that still leaves nearly 90,000 troops behind.
As in years past, community organizations are beginning to gather the packages to send to the troops so that not one service man or woman is without a holiday package this year. Donations point are being set up around the country at reserve centers, YMCAs, churches and other community organizations. There are also non-profit organizations like Operation Gratitude which set up websites to collect financial donations online.
What can you donate to help bring a smile and a little piece of the holidays oversees? The need is limitless, but here are some of the most requested items from deployed military personnel:
FOOD, SNACKS AND DRINKS:
Beef Jerky, Coffee (Ground or whole; instant or drip. Ground is preferred), Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, Sunflower and pumpkin seeds, popcorn and nuts, Tuna or chicken salad in foil pouches (no cans), Protein/cereal bars, individual cereal boxes, oatmeal packets, Hot Chocolate packets, Herbal teas , Snacks like pretzels, chips, hard candy and gum, Cookies and Crackers, Condiments, Spices; Sugar; Salad Dressing (no glass jars)
TOILETRIES:
Baby wipes, Body Wash, Liquid Soap, Facial Cleanser, Shampoo, conditioner and hair gel, Combs / Brushes / Bobby Pins (in original packaging, please), Deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, Disposable razors and shaving cream in tubes (no cans), Lip balm, nail files, nail clippers, Tissues (individual packs; travel size only), Hand & Body Lotion / Moisturizer (travel size), Sunblock, SPF 45, Zinc, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera Gel, Bug Spray / DEET / Skin-So-Soft, Sponges and washcloths, Feminine Hygiene Products, Cotton swabs and balls, First Aid Kits / Ace bandages, pain relieving cream, Shoe Insole Cushions (gel kind is best), Tylenol, Motrin, Advil or, Aspirin Packets, Vitamins (multi-vitamins are always needed!)
ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS:
Batteries, DVD Movies (new or used - recent releases only, please!), Xbox Games, PSP, PS2 & PS3 Games (new or used), iTunes® Gift Cards, Portable CD players / head phones, Electronic handheld games, game books and board games, Pens & mechanical pencils, small note pads, blank cards to send home, Double-sided tape, small crafts kits, scrap-booking items, Yo-Yo's, Dominoes, Playing Cards (new), Poker Chips & Mats, Dice, Dart Boards (regular or magnetic - any size), Frisbees / Hackey sacks, footballs, whiffle bats and balls
OTHER:
Linens: Pillow cases, twin sheets, towels (green & tan); Clothing: Cotton green & tan under shirts - new (Sizes: M, L & XL) (Note: The DOD banned "Under-Armor" shirts due to its material being potentially flammable & bad reactions to open wounds.), black, green and white socks; Laundry supplies, Small flashlights, Air fresheners, Pre-paid phone cards, Patriotic knick-knacks, USA flags, flags from your state, bandanas, baseball hats, football jerseys, banners to tack on their walls or tents.
Black or Green duct tape, small tool kits, dust masks, carpentry tools, Fly swatters, fly paper, mosquito netting, bug repellent in plastic pump bottles only, Gun cleaning supplies (lube) such as Militec-1 & CLP, Generic sunglasses (Ballistic, black only. No "mirror" types), Alarm Clocks (Small in size; wind-up or battery-operated), Small, portable heaters & fans (110 voltage okay), Fleece Blankets, disposable hand and foot warmers, Water Bottles, Travel Mugs & Thermoses with Lids, (for Coffee, Tea & Soup), Coffee Makers & Filters , small hot pots, Religious booklets, small bibles, inspirational readings
Once the goods are donated, the logistics of shipping is often left up the event organizers. The question becomes, how exactly do the packages get to the troops? The ever rising cost of shipping costs can put a damper on even the most successful drive. As an alternative to donated goods, money can be used towards the cost of shipping. Some organizations like Give2theTroops also collect used cell phones and ink cartridges which they recycle and the money earned is used to defray shipping costs.
The fact of the matter is, thousands of men and women are selflessly sacrificing their lives for the safety of our country. We may not have a say in when they return home, but we can bring a little piece of home to them. Keep an eye out in your community for opportunities to donate for care packages for our troops.
Author Bio
Becky Harris writes for upack.com, the official site of ABF U-Pack, one of the few moving companies on the market offering both high quality service and affordable pricing.
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