Support a Soldier

[okarol]

This is from my sister Lori:

Want to send your support to a Soldier in harm's way,
but have no idea of what to send, who to send it to, or how to send it?

www.anysoldier.com

I've written about this website before. It is a place that is very near and dear to my heart . You can pick a soldier from any state or branch of service. I sometimes end up being a pen pal with whoever I send packages to during their tour and I try to send them something once a month for as long as they are over there so they have something to look forward to.

As the holidays approach, I've been thinking more and more about these guys and girls that will be missing the holidays with their family and friends. I'm sure they have some sort of celebrations over there but it can't compare to the love of hearth and home.

I was looking through some of the letters and came across this one:

From the Soldier:

09 Nov 2008:
My name is 1LT KD. I am a Transportation Platoon leader. We have received many great things from caring people. We will miss back to back Thanksgiving and Christmas before returning returning home. Little things mean alot. One of my most prized possessions is a homemade blanket that I have had on my bed for 10 months. We greatly appreciate anything we receive and thanks again for your support.


Foot Powder

Mach3 Razors

Instant noodles in a cup

Coffee

Snacks

Christmas Cards

Sports Magazines

Dental Floss

Mouth Wash

Gum

Sunflower Seeds

Bath Soap (Liquid or bar)

Wash Cloth

Lotion

Bible

His most prized possession is a homemade blanket sent from someone he doesn't even know and his list includes a bible. Is that incredibly sweet? Their needs are so basic but anything they recieve means so much to them.

I know money is tight for everyone - it's been a shitty year and next is not looking so hot either. That being said, I'd love to see more people get involved with this and make someone over there your holiday adoptee (if you did it year round that would be more awesomer!). It doesn't take a lot. They love snacks, personal care stuff ( don't forget foot powder - they need it!), games, cards and just about anything you can think of. Hit up the local dollar store or Waltards - it's amazing what you can find! Most importantly, be sure to enclose a letter! Be warned that you may not hear back from them - they are a bit busy over there.

postage rates are below... it always irritates me to have packages to the military cost anything at all. Why would we possibly give a break to the families trying to send little bits of home to their loved ones over there defending our country?  They do get free postage to write home though so I guess that's something.......
Priority Mail Flat Rate Options

Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope   $4.80    $4.75       12.5" x 9.5"
Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes    $9.80          $9.30     11" x 8.5" x 5.5"
11-7/7" x 3-3/8" x 13-5/8" Large Priority Mail Flat Rate Box   $12.95
APO/FPO destinations: $10.95   $12.50
APO/FPO destinations: $10.50   12" x 12" x 5-1/2"

you'll also have to fill out a customs form but trust me - they are a piece of cake. At least the post office does give you all the free boxes and tape you could ever need!!

If you have any questions or are considering doing this and need some help please message me! http://www.xanga.com/spititoutalready

[Sluff]

Thanks for posting this Karol, there is just no way to send these people enough. If IHD members would like to send things in bulk send me a pm and I will try to organize this and get a Holiday package together for as many soldiers as we can. If there is enough interest I will start another post so we can track it. Even if it is just a letter of encouragement I can send those too.

[paris]

Thanks Okarol. 

Sluff, sounds like a great idea!   

[jbeany]

My brother in law was over there for a tour.  Just a few things I've learned about sending packages to him. . .

Don't send soap/cleaning items packaged together with food items.  The heat does strange things, and soap scented food is no help.

Don't send anything with pork products, like Slim Jims - it's a religious issue.  (Hey, I thought it was a weird rule, too, but why argue?)

Granola bars are a better choice than chocolate - it melts too easy.
Homemade goodies are very, very appreciated - but you might want to send those only to someone who knows you.

Small, non-breakable toys are always good.  The soldiers on patrol like to have things to give to the kids.  Things like super balls can be purchased in bulk, and passed out to kids who have very, very little.

BIL was part of a medical team, and they treated a lot of children.  We sent him cases of diapers, formula, crayons, etc. for the kids who came to the free clinic they were running.  If you get in touch and become a pen pal with anyone, see if they have similar places you could send donations too.

[pelagia]

Thanks jbeany, that is very useful info and I kept it in mind when I did my shopping today.  We are sending to a group of three females and one male in Iraq.  We decided to do it as a family so that we can get our son involved.  One box will have toiletries and one box has some treats that I think will hold up okay even if it gets hot.  The anysoldier.com site says to send only packaged food.

I read somewhere that sending beany babies (even used ones that have been washed, which actually look almost brand new) is good for the soldiers to give away to the kids.  has anyone else heard that?  I thought maybe I could include some of the ones we have stashed away someplace as packing peanuts for the boxes we are sending. 

If anyone else is thinking of doing this, you need to get the packages into the mail really soon.  The USPS gives the cutoff date for parcel post as Nov. 13th (oh no...), but parcel post may still make it as "space available mail" if it's in by Nov. 28th.

And, one last thing.  I hunted this link down to help my son get his letter written:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/395021/supporting_our_troops_how_to_write.html?cat=48

[okarol]

Beany Baby story http://www.army.mil/-news/2006/11/27/736-soldiers-show-commitment-to-iraq-with-beanie-babies/

[karen547]

I have adopted a soldier!~ His name is Michael and he is in the Army! This is going to be a lot of fun!

[jbeany]

One other thing I thought of - I sent toys for the kids, but I also sent toys that would keep an adult entertained as well.  Slinky's rule!

[pelagia]

I sent a box of holiday "crackers" (I think that's what the Brits call them).  You break them open to find a fortune and a riddle inside.  I'm pretty sure they were meant for adults.  I hope so!

[pelagia]

Our soldiers received their packages yesterday.   

If I am remembering correctly, we mailed the boxes on Monday.  They got them on Saturday, so that was incredibly fast!  I received a nice e-mail.  We sent the boxes to Trish.  She wrote to anysoldier.com representing a small group.  Trish has been in the army for 5 years and is thinking of making it a career.  She moved to the US with her father from Jamaica when she was 15. 

It was just great to get her e-mail.

[okarol]

  That's great!

[pelagia]

Here's Trish!