Candy is a good addition to a military care package.
For soldiers deployed in conflict zones, care packages make a real difference. The contents are not just useful in practical terms, but they are also a reminder of home and a reassurance that people at home support them and care about what they are doing. Taking the time to organize care packages for deployed soldiers can be a real boost to their morale and is a meaningful way to show your support.
Practical Items
Soldiers often appreciate receiving small practical items that make their lives easier. These include things like toothpaste, dental floss and deodorant or, for female soldiers, feminine hygiene items. Eye drops are particularly useful for soldiers serving in desert areas. Operation Military Pride has been sending packages since 1995 and suggests including sunblock, lip balm and lotion. Ensure anything that might leak is wrapped in a sealed bag.
Food
Food is always warmly received and makes a welcome change from Army-issued food. Include some candy in your care package and packets of gum. Operation Shoebox, which has been sending care packages to soldiers since 2003, suggests including small boxes of cereal, Girl Scout cookies, granola bars, instant noodles and instant oatmeal in your package. The main thing when sending food is to choose items that are reasonably heat-resistant--your package could be received in a very hot environment where items like chocolate would melt.
Reading Material and Games
Games and reading material help soldiers serving far from home fill their spare time. You could include a paperback novel, newspapers, a comic book or a sports magazine. If you know the soldier is from a particular area, send a copy of the local newspaper. Soldiers also enjoy receiving small items, such as a foot bag, a flying disc, jump rope and a mini foam basketball or football, which help them have fun and pass the time.
Seasonal Items
If a major holiday is coming up, include seasonal items. At Christmastime, a few unbreakable decorations will help to brighten the soldier's accommodation. Include some seasonal food, such as canned turkey. In autumn, include some small Thanksgiving food items, or perhaps some scary Halloween candy.
What Not To Send
Operation Military Pride warns against sending pressurized containers such as shaving cream. Don't send pornographic material--it's illegal in some countries--and don't include liquor if your package is going to the Gulf states. The Operation Military Pride website has a facility to check the restrictions for all APO and FPO zip codes.
Tags: Military Pride, Operation Military, Operation Military Pride, been sending, care package