Care Packages (Vanity)

[znix]

In the past I've always donated to USO but I have some enlisted friends recently deployed to Iraq. I was wondering what the rules (offical and unoffical) are for care packages sent directly to them. Am I allowed to send food? How? Can I throw in a Sports Illustrated? How about Playboy? What kind of stuff, in general Iraq, do they want? What might I want to send that I should not?

[znix]

Thanks in advance.

[MoJo2001]

Visit the Post Office by Mr.Tonkin. It has very useful information.

Post Office

All the information you'll need is there or at one of the links provided.

[MoJo2001]

Oh! If you are sending stuff to Iraq, don't send Playboy or anything with "offensive" women in the magazines. It's "offensive" to the locals. (Personally, I think they want you to send it so they can peruse them and then they tell our troops it's a no-no!)

[MoJo2001]

Ma, you are an expert at this. Can you help out here?? I know you send food and other stuff over to the guys and gals. What have you found that works and what doesn't??

[Endeavor]

Ping - I'm keeping you busy, tonight! -- E

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

They request condiments. Tabasco sauce, salsa, cookies. Everything needs to be store bought and prepackaged.

NO POWDER. No koolaid or anything like that.

Microwave popcorn.

Candy, which is easy to get right now with Halloween.

Socks, reading material, cards, and videos.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

“Operation USO Care Package”
Delivers Needed Items and Personal Messages to
Service Members Deployed Overseas
You, Too, Can Show a Service Member You Care

With thousands of U.S. troops deployed around the world, still actively engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom and the fight against terrorism, the United Service Organizations (USO) is offering a unique way for individuals and corporations to let our nation's defenders know we haven't forgotten them. “Operation USO Care Package,” sponsored by the USO World Headquarters and administered by the USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro), enables individuals to write a personal message and financially support care packages that will be delivered to service members participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Because of heightened security, individuals can no longer send letters and packages to 'Any Service Member.' Operation USO Care Package is approved by the Department of Defense, providing a safe, easy way for individuals and corporations to show their prayers and thoughts are with our men and women in uniform.

Corporations may also contribute to this program through financial contributions, items donated in bulk for the care packages, or through implementation of an employee participation program. AT&T is a major supporter of this program, providing a complimentary toll free number for individuals to call for further information (1-866-USO-GIVE) and donating thousands of prepaid international phone cards to be included in the packages for the troops. “Our men and women in uniform give so much to the country, we wanted to give something in return as a token of our appreciation that would allow their separation from their loved ones to be a little easier,” according to Paul McQuillan, Defense Sales Vice President, AT&T Government Solutions.

“These Care Packages help the USO bring a touch of home to our men and women in uniform,” said Edward A. Powell, President and CEO of USO World Headquarters. The care packages contain an assortment of items the military have specifically requested, such as prepaid international calling cards, disposable cameras, toiletries, and sunscreen. They also include greetings from the American public, transcribed onto official “Operation USO Care Package” post cards by volunteers and USO staff members.

“Operation USO Care Package will continue for as long as our country is at war,” according to Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro President. “This program is possible because of the support from individuals, corporations and organizations that donate funds to sponsor these care packages.”

Individuals and corporations can learn more about how to get involved and support “Operation USO Care Package” through donations of product or funds, by calling 866-USO-GIVE.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT OPERATION USO CARE PACKAGE?

• Individuals may donate $25, which goes toward sponsorship of an “Operation USO Care Package.” Personal greetings may be forwarded to our post office box with the contribution. USO will transcribe the message onto an official “Operation USO Care Package” postcard, available for preview here.
• Corporations may make a tax-deductible financial donation to support “Operation USO Care Package.” A $25 donation goes toward sponsorship of one care package. Each care package will recognize corporate sponsors.
• Corporations may donate items listed on the “Service Members’ Wish List” to USO-Metro, many of which may be branded with your corporate logo. These items must be sent in bulk from the manufacturer. Please call (703) 696-2628 for advance coordination of deliveries.
• Corporations may delegate an employee to serve as its “Operation USO Care Package” liaison. The liaison will communicate your corporate involvement and enlist employees to participate. Employee participants could sponsor an individual care package, which would include their personal message. Corporations interested in participating in this option or willing to match their employees’ support should call (703) 696-2628 for further information.

Please send all checks and personal greetings for “Operation USO Care Package” to:
USO-Operation USO Care Package
C/O Pentagon Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 19221
Alexandria, VA 22320-9998

Due to the threat of anthrax following September 11, DoD suspended its practice of forwarding personal care packages and correspondence by the American public to “Any Service Member.” In its place, USO created a care package program. Through sponsorship of an “Operation USO Care Package,” an individual’s personal greeting will be transcribed onto an official postcard and included in the care package going to a service member.

MAKE YOUR DONATION NOW!

SERVICE MEMBERS' WISH LIST
Travel Size Personal Items*	Miscellaneous Items*
Disposable Razors	Playing Cards and Board Games
Toothbrushes	Compact Discs
Toothpaste	Current Movies on DVD
Tissues	Crossword Puzzle Books
Shampoo/Conditioner	Disposable Cameras
Shower Gel	Pre-paid Global Calling Cards
Sunscreen	Stationery and Journals
Baby Wipes	Sunglasses
Hand Lotion	Small Footballs, Softballs
Lip Balm	CD/DVD Cases with Zipper
Cotton Swabs	Individually Wrapped Snack Items
Sewing Kits	Shoe Polish Kits
*Many of these items may be imprinted with your corporate logo and /or the USO logo.

[Peach]

When my stepson was in Iraq I sent him a Sports Illustrated, gator aid, peanut butter crackers, candy, and a magazine that showed pictures of the major part of combat in Iraq.

[McGavin999]

Send them anything that you think will remind them of home. Just make sure it won't spoil, because it takes between 15 and 20 days to get there (depending on where in Iraq they are). Send magazines and books that don't have overly revealing pictures, I usually send sports mags, hot rod and biker mags, hunting etc.

They also like things like CDs, DVDs, and batteries :o)

Get inventive.

[mystery-ak]

Send some Christmas decorations....personal care products....snacks....cookies, popcorn..ramen noodles,cookies, candy...etc.....stay away from alcohol, pork, and playboy....anything you send will be appreciated.....they all like to get movies....I sent my hubby the season of 24...he has a waiting list to watch it, was the hit of the Camo....LOL

[LouD]

Two things my cousins and brother in law request most often:

Powdered drink mix, especially Crystal Lite, and NOT Kool Aide or other mixes that require sugar. (the water tastes awful)

Batteries, especially AA sized for MP3 players and Gameboys.

My brother-in-laws all time favorite package, that we sent him during the first Gulf War: A small Christmas tree, complete with battery powered lights, and some tiny ornaments. Then, like now, we were told no materials with any religious overtones - So we packed the tree in a Pringle's can, and tried to make it look like it had not been opened. When he got back, he told us about how all his buddies celebrated Christmas 1990 by singing Christmas Carols around a 10" tree.

By the way, I understand the shipping deadline for the Holidays is around the 10th of November.

[T Minus Four]

Send magazines and books that don't have overly revealing pictures, I usually send sports mags, hot rod and biker mags,

I thought that the PURPOSE of hot rod and biker mags was overly-revealing pictures!!!!

[mystery-ak]

Most camps now have PXs....so they can pick up their personal hygene products(but check to be sure)....send comfort items and decorations for the holidays.

[McGavin999]

LOL, as long as there is just a hotrod or a motorcycle on the cover, I think you're safe.

Actually, I looked through them real quick and didn't see anything that was offensive.

I also sent some western paperbacks.

Bury it under tons off candy, cookies, snack bars, instant cameras, beef jerky, and anything else you can think of. I make mine so heavy and stuffed full I seriously doubt anyone would check every page of a magazine.

[McGavin999]

I forgot to add, also send personal hygine items like deoderant, toothpaste and a couple of toothbrushes. I also include in every other package a tube of benedryl (to stop the itching of sand fleas and mesquito bites), and things like liquid tears. Put all of the personal items in ziplock bags because they'll reuse them.

[Kathy in Alaska]

The biggest request I get is beef jerky and Tang/Gatorade/Crystal lite. More and more they are asking for magazines and books. Depending on where they are, sox are a good bet. Most say toothpaste and brushes, etc, is not so important any more. Crossword puzzle books, Ramen noodles and cookies are requested often. I pack everything I can in baggies. And since a big crystal lite can split, they go in small trash bags to contain any spills. Disposable cameras go in every box. Hand held games, with extra batteries, are good for their down time. Costco shopping for cookies, etc, in individual packages is my method. I try to keep the box size to the Priority boxes I get from the post office. Bottom line is they are happy with anything, share everything, and appreciate the support from home that counteracts the trash news they get/see. After you make contact, they can request the type of CDs they would like.

Go by the post office and get customs forms, address labels, and they will give you a roll of Priority Tape for non post office boxes. Fill the papers out at home. Be sure to say they are gifts. Lot of really good suggestions here.

[Bob J]

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[Graybeard58]

"I also include in every other package a tube of benedryl (to stop the itching of sand fleas and mesquito bites"


...My son informs me that flea collars are used by some troops, wrapped around their ankles.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thanks, MoJo! I love care package threads.

Here's a good link from the DoD / www.defendamerica.mil website, znix:  (click on pic)

Other good threads w/ tips for helping the troops over the holidays:

8 Troops can send hometown holiday greetings  ~ [hometown papers giving troops serving overseas another way to leave holiday messages for family and friends]

8 They Won't Be Home For The Holidays: A Quick Guide To Care Packages For Miltary Personnel

[VOA]

...I have some enlisted friends recently deployed to Iraq. I was wondering what
the rules (offical and unoffical) are for care packages sent directly to them.
Where you are, I was a few weeks ago.
Please check the thread that's headed by the mailing guide I cobbled together.
"Ragtime Cowgirl" has it as the last link in her post #19.


Am I allowed to send food? How?
Yes, but NO PORK! Just make sure it's well packaged and not easily bothered by heat (still
gets up to 90 deg. F. in lots of Iraq). Also consider weight problem (e.g., send
pre-sweetened KoolAid packs, not packaged juice).
Beef Jerky seems to be really popular.


Can I throw in a Sports Illustrated? How about Playboy?
Yes to the former, No to the latter.
And you can send religional material for the PERSONAL use of the person you are mailing to.
In other words, don't send a box loaded with 100 religious tracts.

What kind of stuff, in general Iraq, do they want? What might I want to send that I should not?

See the thread. If you really want to send something personally yourself, you MUST have
the military address for the individual (NO " To any soldier" these days!).
Ask around, check your church, drop by your local military recruiter...you'll get
an address. AND, get an e-mail address...a fair number of our military do have
e-mail capabilities, even in Iraq. That is invaluable in quickly finding out
what your contact wants/needs.

The USO care package program is very good; my brother has funded four packages.
But if you want that personal touch of sending a package you prepare yourself...
see that thread linked by Ragtime Cowgirl.