How to send a Care Package (vanity)

me | 6/17/2002 | myself

[Britton J Wingfield]

While I was packing for a recent exercise, I was thinking about what kind of things would be best to send in a care package. 99% of the packages my buddies and I have gotten over the years consist of cookies, brownies, and more cookies. Here are a few hints on what will really make life more bearable for your loved one overseas.

• Socks: Kids hate getting socks for presents, but I love getting these when I'm deployed. Ditto for underwear and t-shirts.
• Food: Everyone gets cookies and brownies, which is great, but real food is better:
  • gift sampler packages, like Pepperidge Farms type stuff
  • bricks of ramen noodles
  • beef jerky, summer sausage, etc.
  • energy bars. Cliff Bars are best, imho.
  • cracker, tricuits, etc
  • tobasco sauce, garlic salt, etc to put on your government issue food.
  • Peanut butter or cheese spread.
• Playing Cards: or board games like chess, risk, or battleship. Getting a nice crisp pack of cards to replace the frayed, floppy ones you've been using is wonderful.
• Tobacco: I don't use tobacco, but I always take some cans of copenhagen with me. These are worth their weight in gold when the addicts run out, heh.
• Crossword Puzzles: these are great while standing by to stand by
• Books: anything to read will be appreciated by your GI and his buddies
• Pens, Paper, Envelopes: Pens all get lost and stolen, and all of this can be hard to come by
• Drugs: I take plenty of motrin, allergy pills, immodium, gas pills, etc because just getting an aspirin can be a royal pain in the butt. Add antacid to that, as well. It all gets mooched or eaten eventually.
• Disposable Cameras are great, and you get to see the results when Johnny comes marching home.

Most of all, just ask what they would like to get.

[JustAmy]

This is a great thread and I will bookmark it for future reference.

[RikaStrom]

I am guessing that we can't do anonymous packages, so do we pick a soldier or a unit from the Post Office?

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"I am guessing that we can't do anonymous packages, so do we pick a soldier or a unit from the Post Office?"

Yes, I'll be adding new names on a regular basis.
I'd suggest you send a letter 1st introducing yourself before you send an actual package.

[DontMessWithMyCountry]

Thanks for this link. I was fortunate enough to meet one of our Active Duty fellows (a USAF Staff Sgt) back in the fall. Talk about selfless: what he 'wanted' me to send him (he didn't actually ask, but it was quite apparent that's what would make him happy) was childrens' clothing -- so he could bring them to an orphanage in Korea. So, i did that (was a fun shopping spree, for sure, especially since i don't have any children). But, since it also happened to fall around Easter, it was only 'right' to send him a several-month supply of very fruity-flavored LifeSaver jelly-beans. Great timing, too: right after he had a bunch of dental work finished, haha!

Anyway, he was positively ecstatic when he got them; made him feel a bit 'heroic' on his next visit to the orphanage. Hey, he's already a hero to me (as are all of our U.S. military servicepeople, so why not let him feel like one ;-) God Bless him: he's home now with his family (just returned about 2 weeks ago), safe and sound!

[JustAmy]

After debating with myself, I decided on sending white athletic type socks. Which should we send? Athletic type socks or dress socks? So far, I have sent 21 pair in 3 packages and have another 3 pair to go. I will be making another Costco run in a week or two.

[AF_Blue]

Get the local business community involved. You'd be surprised at what (and how much) these will contribute.

Personal hygiene items: put together kits of travel- or sample-sized items for each sex. They will be used and appreciated because someone will forget to pack something, or they will run out before they have the chance to buy more. Nothing fancy: tube of toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, comb, brush, disposable razors, shaving cream, deodorant/anti-perspirant, foot powder, baby powder, aspirin/Tylenol, Band-Aids. Feminine hygiene products. Keep it simple (KIS).

Hit local Goodwill stores (or equivalent) for used paperbacks, puzzles, games, etc. I learned to play Magic: The Gathering on a deployment. These will probably be used in a common area or community tent. Someone, somewhere, will read that 25-cent book. Trust me. Remember that your GIs are intelligent, and they need to relax the brain as well as the body. Again, KIS.

NON-PERISHABLE commercial food items: As was previously posted, unfortunately home-made goodies sent to a generic Any Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Marine address are destroyed. Save those for the welcome home parties. Send containers of crackers, cookies, snack mixes, dry cereal (think Captain Crunch, not Total) that can be enjoyed straight from the box. Again, KIS

Send items that can be traded for other stuff. If you are in a military unit, or a family memeber, unit coins are worth their weight in gold at deployed locations. Buy a few, send them with/to your deployed military member. Again, KIS

Contact your local USO, or the Public Affairs office of the nearest military installation, especially if you know the units on base go to interesting places and meet interesting people. Ask their advice.

[Britton J Wingfield]

I'd go with black tube socks. Dickies work socks are very good and cheap. White ones are fine, though technically not uniform. Thanks for sending a GI some socks!

Somebody on here listed chapstick, which I forgot but is a big deal in the field. So is sun-screen.

[JRandomFreeper]

White ones are fine, though technically not uniform.

Correct on white not being uniform. Of course, I always forget on weigh-in day, and there I stand in white socks, taking heat from the first shirt. LOL!

/john

[summer]

bttt

[McLynnan]

Have any of you seen this website? It's full of practical info and useful ideas on military care packages Military Care Packages Ideas and Tips Specializing in Navy Deployments She has tips not only on food, but games, practical items, things children can send, romantic ideas, etc. It's really worth a look.

[Britton J Wingfield]

That is awesome! Thanks for the link :)

[McLynnan]

You are very welcome. That lady sure knows her care packages, doesn't she?

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Have any of you seen this website?"

I was just getting ready to update the USO Canteen Post Office.
I'll be linking this thread AND the site you found.
Thanks!

[McLynnan]

You're welcome. I wish I'd given it to you earlier. Kind of forgot I had it until you pinged me on this thread.

[hedgetrimmer]

Good Post! The USS McCampbell will be commissioned in August. The guys there could probably use some stuff to help send them on their way.

USS McCampbell (DDG 85)
FPO AP 96672-1275

[Snow Bunny]

Thank you so much for the link McLynnan!!

Hedgetrimmer, thank you for the information. I really appreciate it.

[senorita]

Thanks for the ping Amy!
I send anything that can be made with hot water, instant hot chocolate, cider, cup of noodles. Large bags of candy go over well, they really miss that stuff. Razors, athlete's foot powder, vitamins, envelopes, paper, magazines. Try to imagine being out camping for a long time and think of things you would want after just a few weeks!
Also, make a list as you pack everything, because you need to write down what is in the package on the customs label at the post office.

[JustAmy]

Thanks Senorita
You have listed a few things that I need to add to my packages. There are so many things that we could send if we just put our minds to it. Amy

[Victoria Delsoul]

Thanks Tonk.

[piasa]

give this a bump once in a wjile, will you?