Send a care package to our troops.
There are quite a few items that a soldier stationed in Iraq would like to receive. Send food items in original packaging. Look for individual serving sizes that come in plastic jars, cans or boxes. While the troops miss home-baked goods, store-bought versions retain freshness better, and won't get crushed on the way. Refrain from sending toiletry items that come in aerosol cans or soft tubes---most products come in alternative hard tubes or pump spray bottles, and always send food and non-food items in separate packages. Military care packages filled with some common items help Iraq feel more like home, and they also serve to remind our troops that they are in our thoughts and prayers.
Snacks
Send snacks that come in individual serving bags.
Send healthy snacks--nutritional cereal bars, trail mix, seeds and nuts help to keep a soldier's energy high. Other good snacks to send are beef sticks and jerky, microwave popcorn and individual serving bags of crackers and cookies. Also send convenience foods that can provide a small meal, such as noodle cups, small boxes of dry cereal, canned meats and peanut butter and jelly. Bottled ketchup is sorely missed as are small jars of common spices.
Dry Beverage Mixes
Ground coffee is a staple on the wish list.
Our troops are thirsty, and a variety of powdered mixes to add to water are always requested. Send brands such as Gatorade, Crystal Light or Kool-Aid, and choose the individual packets that flavor a single bottle of water. Ground coffee, hot tea bags, cocoa mix and individual servings of creamer and sugar are also constantly in demand.
Toiletries
Bar soap and liquid body wash are needed.
All basic toiletries appear on the troops' wish list. Toothbrushes, bar soap, shaving supplies, lotion, sunscreen, lip balm, and baby powder and deodorant are always needed, as are shampoos and liquid body washes in scents that appeal to both men and women. Soldiers need products that help sore feet, too---send athlete's foot creams and powders as well as odor eating shoe inserts and blister pads. Our soldiers also will appreciate pocket-sized bottles of hand sanitizer, eye drops and manicure kits. Some toiletry items, such as toothpaste, might come in and out of demand at different times, so check for an updated list of the most requested items.
Garments
New socks are always appreciated.
Most desperately needed by American troops stationed in Iraq are socks--- calf high, in black or white---and underwear for both men and women in a variety of sizes. Solid khaki, brown and green T-shirts and plain white undershirts are also commonly requested. Civilian clothes are also needed at times, but because of the Muslim culture in Iraq, short pants and skirts are not recommended.
Entertainment
The troops need to have fun, too.
Soldiers need entertainment during down time. New or used electronic game systems are among the most requested items in this category. PS3, PS2, Xbox or Xbox 360. Games that are compatible with these systems are also appreciated, as are compact, handheld game systems. New and used current release CDs and DVDs keep the troops in touch with what's popular back home---and prepaid global calling cards keep them in touch. Water guns are another good item to send, as they make cooling off more fun. Other compact games such as dominoes or hacky-sac bags will help them pass the time.
Care Package Extras
Small flashlights come in handy.
Other items might not be as obvious, but equally appreciated by troops stationed in Iraq. Send baby wipes, bug spray, fly strips, air freshener, vitamins and gum. Small flashlights, book lights, towels and washcloths, sewing kits, sunglasses, backpacks and zipper bags also come in handy. Soldiers in Iraq enjoy letters from folks in the U.S., so don't neglect to send a note, too.
Tags: individual serving, that come, both women, come handy, game systems, Ground coffee