[cjshapi]

Any suggestions for a soldier you don't personally know but "adopted"? Just got my assignment yesterday and am trying to put a care package together for him.

[TonyWojo]

I just adopted a soldier yesterday myself. I went home last night and informed my wife and (2) sons ages 17 and 18, that each of them needed to write a letter to a total stranger. After informing them of why and that I adopted a soldier they were excited.

Brandon the younger one will fill him in on all the football scores and highlights. Matt will critique all of the latest movies. My mother-in-law found out and will probably write weekly. I was going to record (VHS) a few local news broadcasts, and ESPN sports news to hopefully give some updates, and copy some news headlines,like the Michael Jackson story.

What we are buying to send for Xmas is gum, nuts, beef jerky, sweetened kool-aid. Cards, Yahtzee, some magazines, tooth paste tooth brush, etc.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Some handy tips from experienced 'caregiving' Freepers:

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

8 Deadlines Set For Holiday Mailings [+ handy mailing tips]

8 Care Package ~ Mail Tips

[pax_et_bonum]

How do I adopt a soldier?

[half_nelson]

how do you adopt a soldier?

[McGavin999]

There are a lot of lists here. I always send as much of everything I can fit into the box. Beef Jerky, candy, nutrition bars, powdered drink mix, snack foods of all kinds, toothbrushs and toothpaste, deoderant, a couple of magazines. It really doesn't matter, they'll love whatever you send. Oh, I usually tuck in a disposable camera too. Don't expect to get any pictures back, they probably can't get them developed until they get back.