If you send anything perfumed (soap, deodorant, candles) in a box that also includes food, the food becomes inedible due to the fragrances from the soap and deodorant!!!
Please remind everybody to keep food separate from anything perfumed/scented!
I have also been making modified pants, shorts and T-Shirts for Ward 57 (Orthopedics) at Walter Reed. For some, I start with store-bought, but for pants, it's easier to start with fabric and a modified pattern.
I also found a group who are making helmet liners and sending them overseas. Can be knit or crocheted. Makes wearing a helmet a lot more comfy in cold weather as they protect not only the head but also the neck.
If anyone is interested in the sewing or knitting/crocheting projects, please FReepmail and I'll give you the details.
It might be, Patty, that some of your groups might like the helmet liners but they aren't on the list of recipients for this group I found. Maybe we can expand the numbers of those who are getting these much-needed personal items?
If you want to ask, by email, if any of them would appreciate these items, I can certainly start sending to your contacts as well!!
Excellent tip about not sending air freshener items and soaps in the same box with food items.
Also some dried fruits will give off a ripening gas, enough to burst the package they are in. The gas can then permeate and spoil the flavor of any other food items in the same box. One example is whole figs, or large pieces of dried fruits.