Care packages for troops overseas

[338winmag]

i would be very happy to help out for this great causes just let me know what you need me to do

[IV_Warrior]

I remember reading about another forum doing this and one thing that was highly recommended was to somehow make contact with a unit, and find out what they actually want/need. It'd be pretty disappointing to open a "care package" full of toothpaste and TP if you've already got a 6 month supply sitting around, but you're out of soap.....

I'd imagine at least 1 member here has a friend or family member serving currently and could get us a list of items the unit that person is in needs.

[4XLT]

let me work on some names and addy's i do know one guy over there ...

[spabula]

I'd definately send something or donate which ever would be easier/better for the organizer of this

[shefearsnothing]

My friend said her son mentioned they are running out of drink mixes. You know they make the packets that you just dump into a water bottle. I guess it is so hot that adding that at least makes the water a little more bearable to drink. They have to drink a lot of it to stay hydrated in that intense heat. I plan on picking up some next week when we get back from our trip. For now I'm ready to pack up and head out the door....

[dc dalton]

The wife mentioned this to the owner of the gym she goes to today because they are constantly getting bags of free samples. The owner is going to talk to them to seem if they would be willing to donate to the cause... we will keep you posted.

[P.SUTER]

Let me start by saying Thank You from all of us in Uniform who have been there and done that. I am right now gearing up for my fourth trip into the area. I left Active Duty because it was hard on the family. Now in the Guard we are getting ready to go in September. That means we will hit Country around Christmas or the new year. Pennsylvania is sending a full Combat Brigade. So keep that in mind when you collect this stuff that it will in most cases go to a neighbor. PM me for more info. And thanks again!

[shefearsnothing]

For those of you who voted or even just replied here could you please send greg and myself BOTH a DETAILED PM explaining exactly what you are willing to do regarding this effort? We are trying to get things organized and this will make it easier to get things done more efficiently. Things to include are as follows:


If you want to buy, pack, and ship items yourself and ONLY need a name and address you do NOT need to read any further. JUST SEND A PM TO BOTH OF US asking for a name and address.

If you only want to make a financial donation you do not need to read any further. Please just send BOTH OF US A PM and let us know that you only wish to make a financial donation.

What area you're in (ok greg might know off hand but I may not recall and this may be relevent for other things we need to coordinate.)

What items you have available to you at a discounted rate (if this is the case do you plan to just purchase them yourself or would you be willing to allow monies donated be put toward some of those items as well?)

Is your company going to be making a donation?

If you're donating items but would like someone else to ship them we really need to know what area you're in so we can arrange to get them from you either to us or to someone else who is willing to pack items.

If you're willing to pack items someone else has collected we need to know this too.

Pretty much make a list of ANYTHING you can or are willing to consider doing so I can put it all on a spreadsheet and then we can work everything together as efficiently as possible.

Also, any box that I am responsible for shipping, whether I put it together or someone else paid for the stuff or whatever, it WILL have a letter in it for the guy. Anyone making a contribution in ANY WAY has the option of contacting me with a letter they'd like sent along if they so choose if you're not actually shipping items yourself. If you'd like to include your personal information for the soldier to choose to contact you then that's entirely up to you. I WILL let you know where your stuff went (meaning the person's name) and if you go to the website I posted you can look at the pictures on there and see the guys' pictures and read some of their write ups in the newsletters if you want. I am sure I am forgetting something but I will come back and add it if I forget. Thanks again as I know it is appreciated. You are all very kind to do this.

[shefearsnothing]

Ok, I added the website to my signature so when you have a name or even just the desire to check out the website you can find it easily.

[shefearsnothing]

Another thing I know the guys really like getting and are going through like there's no tomorrow are sports balls like volley and soccer balls. I sent a few over and I know they got some before that. I was able to deflate the ones I sent because I knew the guy they were going to had a pump to re-inflate them. If someone is going to send those sort of things they could consider the option of sending along a pump in case whoever receives it is not able to inflate them. The balls don't last as long over there because they play on rocky terrain. Now I did get a really durable soccer ball (had some special ad on the box and everything saying it was supposed to last longer then others and stay inflated longer etc) the last time and therefore did not deflate that before mailing and I did get feedback hearing that it was holding up really well but it's entirely up to those buying what kind you send over. I just made sure that I was getting the adult size balls. I have seen some B.ball courts in the pics on the website and I sent footballs to a few guys too.