Care Packages for our Troops

[katepoet]

I wondered whether 4WT would like to work on filling some boxes to send to our men and women in Iraq. Here's a copy of what I posted in another thread but moved into this to get us talking about it directly.

I wasn't thinking of in time for Christmas. They need gift boxes everyday when there is nothing going on but war. We can send them to an APO address so it only costs US postage. I understand the soldiers need things like phone cards, shampoo, and moisturizer, and perhaps paperbacks for themselves.

One is also asked to send new t-shirts with cool US logos to give out to local Iraqi men. I don't know what they like to give to the women if any of our women soldiers have contact.

I also have heard that our men and women like music and musical instruments.

I am sure we can find a safe and reliable website to tell us just what is most wanted.

Thank you notes are always good. Hard candies and chewing gum to help counter the dry heat might be on the list. Candy that does not easily melt in the heat!

We could aim for boxes shipping at the middle or end of the month of January in time to arrive for Valentine's Day. Diana, would your grandkids want to get their church groups or school classes involved in making valentines? (Remember how much fun it was to get that shoebox full in elementary school?)

I have a friend whose nephew is over in Iraq. I can find out if he is willing to receive the boxes and distribute the goodies. Does anyone know a nurse who is over there? That might be a good women's unit to support. They must need things like little bottles of alcohol cleaner or the disinfecting wipes. And they could give out valentines to the wounded.

What are your thoughts?

[katepoet]

Here is a site that lets us sponsor a care package by donating funds.

USO

This one coaches you through putting together and shipping your own package:

Any Soldier

Here's a project for Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan

Help the Troops

Let's gather the best sites we can find and then I will create a survey so we can vote on the style of site we want to follow for our care packages if you would like to do this.

So post your comments and any sites you know of or ideas about just shipping to a friend or relative for distribution through their unit.

Thank you.

[katepoet]

Just checking with everyone post-Thanksgiving. Does anyone want to work on this together?

[Mandy]

I dont think many people have seen this thread yet, or are still recovering from Thanksgiving, and maybe started with Christmas decorations, and shopping.

[katepoet]

That's why I double-posted in it - to bring it back up. How is life, Mandy?

[Mandy]

It's been pretty hectic kate, and i dont think it will calm down any time soon, with Sinterklaas, and Christmas coming up, plus my parents are moving again, so will be helping out there too.
I havent even started any shopping yet, nor do i know what will be on the Christmas menu. I would love to pack up, and go away for a couple of days


And how has life been treating you Kate?

[katepoet]

Life's good - hectic but good! I have work so we can eat and pay the rent - that counts for a lot - and I might even squeeze a couple of Christmas gifts for the guys out of the budget. We'll see... Is there anything from here in the US you would like? I have a lot of postage stamps so I can send you a box... (if it's not too heavy!) What would you like?

When I was little all my grandparents lived in England. The last gifts we opened every year were the brown paper packages with the green customs labels and the Queen's face on the stamps that came from London NW 11 and Great Bardfield, Essex. Such excitement! There were always soft, cotton pajamas from Spencers, and chocolate from Germany in the shape of the three bears and other fairy tale characters. There were great books, too, and other goodies. So if I can send a little of that excitement back across the Atlantic, let me know.

[Mandy]

Awwww thats so sweet of you Kate, i'm fine really. I live in the Van Gogh town, so if you would like some Van Gogh stamps, let me know, i'll send them to you.
You are very kind to want to send the troops some goodies.

If there is anyone else on here that would like Van Gogh stamps, just give us a shout.

[katepoet]

Would you like some stamps from here in exchange? Or local postcards?