Send+a+Care+Package+to+a+Soldier

Interested in sending a care package to someone in the military? Here are some suggested steps you could take:

Note: Also check out this great tutorial from Wiki-how on How to Make a Military Care Package.


 * 1) Decide who you are going to send the care package to**. If you know someone who is in the military, this might a good place to start. You could send your care package to a friend or family member in the service. You could also ask them if they know someone who would really be encouraged by receiving a package. You could also ask someone at your church or other local institutions that might know someone. If you don't know a soldier personally, there are a number of great websites that pair donors and soldiers.
 * Any Soldier
 * Give 2 the Troops
 * Operation Gratitude
 * U.S. Troop Care Package

Note: Make sure anything you package together is in __travel size__.
 * 2) Find out what supplies you will need to gather.** If you can contact the soldier before sending the package, it's always nice to ask them directly what they would like. Of course, someone who is brave enough to be a soldier is probably also very humble and might not tell you everything they would like ;) Here is a compilation of items that I have seen on many different websites:
 * Baby Wipes - packets are better than tubs. **Much better than baby wipes, per se, are the "Hoo Ahhs" brand of pre-moistened, alcohol-free, unscented Field Towels**
 * Beef Jerky/Slim Jims
 * Energy Bars (Power Bar, etc. - **Unless a specific brand is requested, much better than standard civilian energy bars are the "HOOAH!" brand energy bar based on the U.S. military's own specially formulated bar that better meets the soliers' needs**)
 * Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Red Devil, etc.) - wrap glass bottle in duct tape and place in doubled zip-lock bags
 * Sunflower seeds
 * Peanuts
 * Seasoning Salt (Lawry's, etc.)
 * Atomic Fireballs / Jolly Rancher hard candy (for service member use)
 * Smarties or SweetTart candies (for local children who prefer sour style candy to build relationships with community)
 * Halloween Candy
 * Beanie Babies/Webkinz/Trolls
 * Girl Scount Cookies
 * Powdered Energy/Electrolyte Replacement Drink Mix (Gatorade, etc.)
 * Chewing Gum
 * Avon Skin So Soft - great for removing face paint and also reputed to be an effective bug repellant (the latter seems variable based on personal experience and reports)
 * AA-cell Alkaline Batteries
 * Personal Hygiene Gear: Disposable Razors, Toothbrush and Tooth Paste
 * Eye Wash / Drops (Visine, etc.) for flushing dust and sand out of the eyes
 * Hand-made cool-ties and scarves
 * Zip-Lock style Plastic Storage Bags - assorted sizes, heavier freezer style are better
 * Copenhagen Snuff in a tin ("Even if the service member doesn't dip snuff, they will be a hero and have more power than the Commanding Officer if they have a 'log' (10 cans) of 'Hagen.' A large percentage of infantry use this stuff and it is hard to get. The stuff they do get comes in a plastic can and tastes terrible. The 'Stateside Hagen' is the most powerful bargaining tool in a field environment!")
 * Pre-paid Phone Card so service member can call home

Here is a link to a much more comprehensive list of needed items by an actual Army platoon. There are also some pre-made gift boxes that you can purchase.


 * 3) Package everything together.** Tape up the box very securely. Make sure not to include anything sharp or dangerous in the package. You may have to fill out a customs form depending on where you send it from. Also, put everything in Ziploc baggies to make sure nothing spills.


 * 4) Ship your package.** If you visit any USPS office, they have a flat rate box for any APO/FPO military addresses.

Thank you for helping to encourage a soldier in need! Please join this wiki to make changes or additions to this tutorial. You can also email __ teachtoserve@gmail.com __ with any more information or questions.