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?