Support Our Troops: Send 'Em A Fun Holiday Care Package

Written by Lynnette on November 16, 2007 | Comments (2)

Last year was the first time we sent a care package to U.S. soldiers we didn't even know.

We were inspired by all of the responses this article I wrote which included dozens of fun ideas for soliders' care packages.

So Jim & I went shopping with a couple hundred dollars... we loaded up the biggest box we could find... and mailed it off to some medics in Baghdad.

Our care package was very well received, so I thought I would share some of the items we included inside.

In case others are still looking for ideas...

Is There Still Time To Send Packages?

Perhaps the best news is... it's not too late.

I know they said the last date to send packages to soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq was a couple days ago (November 13th).

But if our experience last year is any indication... then you can actually send packages as late as December 7th (that's what we did last year) and they'll likely still receive them by Christmas (December 19th in our case).

NOTE: Erin posted a comment stating that December 11th is the last possible date this year.

In my opinion, the date isn't as important as the thought and whatever gift(s) you might be sending, anyway. Soldiers will appreciate your gifts any day... and time of year... not just Christmas!!!

Some Of The Things We Sent Last Year:

Poker cards & chips set

Bouncy balls

Bubbles

Stress balls to squish

Chewing gum

Frisbees

Caramel candies

DVD movies

Cracker Jacks

Athletic balls to play catch (soccer, football, basketball)

Water balloons

Cribbage game

Dice & Yhatzee game

Crackers

Hard candies

Chapstick & Carmex

Jenga game

White chocolate-covered pretzels

TIP: If you're planning to send a care package, it's best to send several of the same items -- that way lots of soldiers in the same unit can participate and enjoy all of the fun surprises.

Some Of The Things We Might Send This Year

Our nephew is currently serving in Iraq... so we'll be sending our overstuffed care package to his unit this year.

By the way, he's from Ohio. If anyone from the area is interested (some were asking), here's his info:

LCPL Benjamin Martinez
22nd Meu BEP C
Blt.3/8 Lima Co. 2nd Plt.
Unit 73265
FPO AE 09509-3265

This year, we plan to include some of the same items mentioned above, plus some of these:

Flea collars

Chex mix

Gatorade

Hand Lotion

Toothbrushes & toothpaste

Deoderant

Microwave popcorn

Sunflower seeds

Oreo cookies

Pop tarts

Granola bars

Batteries (AAA and AA)

Lysol wipes

ThermaCare heat wraps

Pillows

Mouthwash

Foot powder

Christmas candy

Ziploc baggies

Twizzlers

Tootsie Pops

Hacky sack footbags

Instant oatmeal packs

Pistachio nuts in the shells

Hot chocolate

Canned chicken salad

Peanut butter

Pillowcases

Peanuts in the shells

Tootsie roll candies

Sudoku puzzle books

Canned microwavable foods

15-in-1 game set

UPDATE: 11/17/07:
Here are some photos of the items we packed into our 2007 Care Package:

More great gift ideas here, here, and here.

And Finally, A Gentle Reminder...

When you are making out your Holiday card list this year, you may want to include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

Happy holidays, everyone. Thanks to all who have generously continued to Support our Troops!

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2 Comments

Lynnette said:

Wow, what a bummer.

Thanks for the info, Kelly.

In case anyone's wondering, here is the Walter Reed Medical Center's official statement about this:

"Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed CANNOT accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered."

November 20, 2007 11:09 AM | Reply to this Comment

Kelly said:

Found your blog today and think it's great for sending packages to the soldiers. Just wanted to let you know though, that Walter Reed Medical Center will not accept mail with "A Recovering American Soldier" on it. The mail needs to have a specific soldier's name. Thanks for remembering and supporting our troops!
Kelly

November 20, 2007 10:59 AM | Reply to this Comment