Care package items fly off the shelves at Wal-Mart

[Quix]

GREAT!

BTTT

[Drammach]

Add this to the list.

"Febreeze" or other fabric fresheners...
Water is short, so washing clothes isn't always practical.
With fabric freshener, at least You can smell good, even if you're not really cleaning the clothes.

[Freedom2specul8]

We were flying our flag, but husband took ours down because it needs to be retired so to speak. I wish we could use my older one.. I loved it, it was so sturdy and pretty. We're getting a new one this week. BTW, be sure to read comments on this thread when you get back.. Looks like we should send packages to family or friends..??

[Let's Roll]

I can't personally vouch for this program but the USO accepts financial donations and is making up CARE packages for the troops. This gets around the security and customs issues.

Here's a link:
http://www.usometrodc.org/care.html#oucp

[Revelation 911]

relax strela - I didnt call into question anyones generosity --I merely thought it ironic that in our zeal to ease thier plight we'd purchase chinese made goods.

Call me isolationist - rather I consider it anti slavery domestic sourcing.

You are free to prop up a communist dictator if you like......

I will kindly ask you to provide me an address so I can commence sending copious amounts of hickory smoked beef jerky, doritos and stewarts soda pop.

[Peach]

Yes, Kim - it's great people are being so supportive. I did see the comment that DoD is cautioning about sending packages to soldier unsolicited so to speak. It's hard to believe, but after spending several days a few weeks ago searching for information on this, I came up without any clear answer - everything I found was contradictory of the thing I'd found before! LOL

My stepson is unable to receive packages at this time (which is breaking our hearts) and that is the situation with my neighbor's son as well. It's subject to change at some point, but for now - that's where we are. Regards, Peach

[Drago]

Sorry fellow freepers...terror concerns have caused the DOD to request NO more care package be sent, (except from close family). Along with the terror threat, they say that there are so many packages that "basic" items such as ammo for our soldiers would be squeezed out if unrestricted care packages were allowed...the supply pipeline is only so big. Please see these links:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2003/b03222003_bt139-03.html

and

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/872678/posts

[Bkpkr]

URAH! To you and Mrs, for supporting Our Troops in uniform! Glad to hear it happening outside of FLorida too! Eugene

[2Jedismom]

Ping to #10!

And here is an example of the customs slip to use. You ask for the white slip at the post office. They have a green slip but that isn't the one you want.

Fill out everything that is red. Don't worry about anything else, the post office will do the rest. Don't date the slip and then take it in the next day...the slip has to be dated the day you send it.

If you are only sending a few items, you can list the number in the "Qty" column...but I always do it this way and the post office is happy with it.

You can get packaging tape and 12'x12'x8' boxes, and even address labels at no cost through usps.com or just pick them up at the post office. It must be Priority Mail.

[D. Brian Carter]

Many thanks to you!

[2Jedismom]

Oh! Be sure you seal up anything that has a scent, like shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, so it won't give your food items an off flavor. As a matter of fact, I avoid sending hygiene items with food items if I can help it. And seal up anything that is powdered that might leak, like "Shower to Shower" or Tang or Koolaid mix.

[MissAmericanPie]

I was good to go on the care packages, but I heard on the news that we shouldn't send them now as they are overwhelmed with packages.

I wonder if that has been lifted yet? Does anyone have the latest on care packages? Are they accepting them now?

[D. Brian Carter]

This is a great thread... some of the items I would never have thought of. My brother is gonna be psyched (and probably popular with his unit) when he gets a box full of goodies from me. I hope that all the good folks who have been supportive to this point remember there are still guys over there that need even just basic things like toilet paper, and just because things have "slowed down" to a certain extent, they're still over there doing a helluva job.

Thanks alot for your help 2JM.

[2Jedismom]

There was some confusion about this...

The postal service to Iraq was bogged down right after the war started and the request (iirc) was that no one send "unsolicited" packages (they were getting flooded by packages to soldiers from strangers).

That meant, don't just find the address of a stranger on the internet and start sending him/her packages. I don't think it ever meant that families and friends couldn't send them. However, I waited a while before I sent to my friend in Iraq. It did not stop me from sending several to Afghanistan, where there was no problem with the mail...my packages arrived in about 9 days!

I think my packages to Iraq take about 2 weeks to arrive, now. I send to a friend in my church. I would not send a package to a complete stranger without introduction from that person's family member or friend.

[armymarinemom]

Very good types of bug repellant. 100% DEET. NO FLEA COLLARS

[armymarinemom]

Operation shoe box is also needing help for postage. They are sending packages to a lot of units.

[2Jedismom]

my packages arrived in about 9 days!

I should say OUR packages...I sent them on behalf of the Hobbit Hole.

Credit where credit is due!

[2Jedismom]

This is true...the Blue Star Moms here in Tulsa have the boxes packed, addressed and ready to go. No postage to send them.

Postage for a 10lb box runs about $15.

[Corin Stormhands]

care package stuff for American soldiers defeating a dictator, sent by well meaning Americans who are shopping at a store that sells predominantly communist chinese made goods.

Wal-Mart helps put food on the table for the four Americans in the Stormhands family, not to mention the dog and the cat(both of questionable origin).

And, we have been significant contributors to The Renegate Chaplain Project an effort by the regulars in the FR "Hobbit Hole."

[2Jedismom]

Here is that link! Operation Shoebox

See the link in #59 to see what the Hobbit Hole has been up too!