Adopt a Soldier

[May 20]

Another worthy destination for our freebies or nearly-freebies is into the arms of a soldier stationed overseas. As anyone who has read my sig knows, I'm a Soldier's Angel. (http://soldiersangels.org) The commitment is more involved than dropping off bags of items. I'm telling you this up front, not because I think that one is better or worse than the other, but because I don't want to mislead anyone. Donating to others is always beautiful.

The commitment is this -- when you agree to adopt a soldier, you promise to write one letter a week and send one care package a month to him or her for the duration of his or her time overseas. This person becomes important to you, and you will become emotionally attached to him or her. Now, you must know, too, that you may never, ever hear back from your soldier. You send out your letters and packages in faith. If they are not returned to you, you have to believe that what you sent arrived and was enjoyed by your soldier (and probably others in the unit ;) ).

Summer is coming up, and it gets very, very hot over there. Our troops need sunscreen, chap stick, antiperspirant, powdered gatorade .... you name it -- they can use it. Even those stationed on a base with a PX can use that kind of stuff. And all of them always love getting stuff to eat. :p

My BIL is in Iraq right now and will probably be one of the ones affected by the three-month extension. :( One of my Heroes is safely home.:) And another one is on mail stop, which means he should be home very soon.:) For my birthday, which is coming up very soon, I'm going to adopt another one (or two ;) ). If you are willing, the joy you will send to your Hero is amazing. And, you'll feel good about it, too.

[STACEY IN CALIF]

I just saw your sig line earlier today and was wondering what it meant. You must have been reading my mind. LOL! I'm off to check out the sight. Thanks, Stacey

[STACEY IN CALIF]

I'm back. I just checked this out and thought I'd pass along what I just learned there. Forgive me, I know nothing about the military on a personal level, so I may be the only one who doesn't know this.

You can donate your old cell phones, and in return a soldier will get a calling card. We are always going through cell phones (well dh is). What a good way to get rid of one, in exchange for something postitve. Stacey

[intimid8rfan]

What a great post! My sister is in the Marines and was stationed in Iraq a year ago. During her time over there, my neighborhood adopted her unit - I must have sent over 80 packages during the 6 months they were there. Since then, at least one of her close friends has been there, and I've continued to send packages (getting some together this week as a matter of fact - just waiting for the mailman to drop off my priority mail boxes). It really is a great feeling to be able to help out our servicemen and women and know that you're bringing a smile to their faces.

[gin3]

just signed up! Thanks!

[Admin shilton]

You guys are doing great!!! I am so happy we can all afford to share with GG.

[gin3]

That site was fast signed up earlier this afternoon and already got my soldiers address. Will be sending a letter out tomorrow and starting a care package for next week. THanks again for the great tip!

[MickiB]

Isn't there one called AnySoldier.com where you can send a box to a unit? Someone else here suggested it. I did the adopt a soldier thing a few years ago, but figured AnySoldier.com could use some of my free CVS goodies. And they can! Especially the gum we've been getting free, feminine products for the women, flavored drink packets to make the water taste better, calling cards, books (not romance novels! LOL), CDs, DVDs, health & beauty, sunscreen, hard candies, not chocolate because of the heat and bugs.

[thriftycj]

Thanks for the suggestion! This is one of those things I've been meaning to do for years, yet never seemed to get around to it. I'm going to do both programs....adopt a soldier and then just send random care packages through anysoldier.

I've got three put together now... one male/two female.

For the male box, I've got shampoo, body wash, sunscreen, toothpaste and toothbrush so far (I never buy for guys so I need to get some additional stuff!)

For the females, shampoo & conditioner, body wash, deodorant, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, good razor, and some garnier wipes. I also am going to try to get some feminine hygiene items in there before I mail it.

If you're going to get involved, do take some time to look into appropriate things to send, etc. Ask my best friend google and she will fill you in. :)

For example, it is recommended that you send separate packages for h&b and food items.... with the heat, the food can end up tasting like the h&b. ick!

keep it up gals! :)

[novo4]

I am going to sign up for this with my kids tonight! How wonderful! I would love for those who have done this to please give ideas of what to send. I am super excited about the cell phones, too! I have 5 here and was trying to figure out what to do with them! Thanks!

[Admin TiggerTeddie]

One thing that I also did what include a picture of us, a special note, and some artwork from our daughter. Every single Soldier that we have sent to have thanked us for the face and for the artwork - that touched them the most!!

Also, I put everything in ziplocs - it kept the mess to a minimum if something leaked and they were VERY useful over there.

The soldiers that I have sent packages to also loved microwave popcorn (they popped it on top of their vehicles when it was hot), cup of noodles, and protein bars.

We actually did a lip balm drive at our church. They can only get up to SPF 15 or 30 in the canteens and that JUST isn't enough. If you can, send HIGH SPF as they really need it over there!

[gin3]

O. K. I don't think this could get any easier. I just ordered my flat rate boxes and forms from USPS and it will be delivered to my house for FREE! All I have to do is go through my stockpile and pack the boxes and take it to the post office and pay to ship it!

[Admin shilton]

Great tips Dorothea thanks.

[partyof8]

I was on the phone with DS21 this afternoon ( he is in Iraq). While he was home on R&R he was the mystery reader for his little brothers kindergarden class. They wanted to send him a thankyou box and requested a list. He made a few suggestions after I twisted his arm! (He said that he felt funny requesting specific items). Here is his list: good razors , beef jerky, High SPF sunsrcreen ~especialy for lips, cans of fruit with the pull top lids and any kind of candy that is not choclate (it is already in the 90's where he is and things are starting to melt.) Packing things in ziploc bags is a must! He did mention that the item he and his buddies receive the most is shampoo which is funny because it is so much easier to keet their hair really short..not much need for shampoo! He did mention that anything is appreciated, and the most coveted items are the personal notes of encouragement from total strangers!

[May 20]

Y'all just made my day. Every single one of you. :)

Now, I'm going to go finish my letter to my BIL, e-mail my Hero on mail stop, and have a good (yes, good) cry.

[TJT]

Ok I really want to do this but the shipping thing is what I am worried about. Do you ship parcel post or priority or does it matter? What about the forms, do you tape them to the box or give them to the postoffice. Sorry for the dumb questions but unless it was a bill I haven't mailed anything outside my own state.

[Admin GroceryGeek]

I find priority flat rate boxes to the easiest way. You can order them from the usps website and they will deliver them to your house! You have to fill out a customs form at the post office and pay postage. I don't know the current rate but when I did it last it was around $8 for the box regardless of weight.

If you fill out the forms they will help you place them on the box appropriately.

Good luck and thanks for your generosity!

[TJT]

Great! I got the boxes ordered and have already started to put some stuff together. I do have another question. I would think that they don't have room to store stuff. So is it better for them to get full size stuff, or like the travel size items. Ok I have two questions, I read that we should not ship the HB with the food. What if we vac sealed all of the HB in the food sealer bags. They are suppose to be odor proof.

We are so happy to find a way to help out our Soldiers. My son is going to get his friends and Sunday school to help out also.

[gamekeeperswife]

My SIL is in Iraq now , and I adopted a couple of soldiers prior to his deployment. Believe me, the effort of sending packages is worth it. I would add to the previous posts, send soups like the soup in hand--sometimes they can't get to the chow hall--some mosquito coils, lots of bug repellant, gum, gum, and more gum, and chewy candies. Double dittos on the sunscreen. I packaged stuff up in zip lock bags, but I love the suggestion of vac sealed bags. (Now why didn't I think of that??)
Some magazines, especially car and sports magazines are also popular, and I hear they get passed around everywhere.
Any time I have sent boxes, the PO attaches the customs label--I just have it filled out. Always send priority mail, and if you order the FREE shipping boxes from the Postal Service, they will be priority boxes. Ask for the military pack.

[Admin TiggerTeddie]

Ooh, IF you send magazines that you receive at home with your address label. Please remove that address label PRIOR to mailing overseas to our soldiers!! Just a heads UP!!

The last Captain that we adopted (and her Soldiers) worked military intelligence. They would BURN the boxes with our addresses and any other identifying information (except for stuff that they would keep). It wasn't our Soldiers that they were worried about at all!! It was Iraqi or Afghani civilians attempting to contact Americans because they were SO desparate to get out of there!! Sad, but true!!

[novo4]

Great advise Dorthea! I never would have thought about this on my own!

[Lilly's Mommy]

Looked on the website and decided to do Operation Knot. I'm sending a baby gift out this week to a family. Thanks for the tips!!

[novo4]

I'm so excited! I just received my phone call from my mentor(WONDERFUL lady!) and got the info for my soldier! My kids are pretty excited about this as am I! Thank you for posting this info.

[ginalynn2]

I just signed up as well. I'm so excited, I love putting care packages together.

[CouponSpaz]

MY Cub Scout den is putting together a package next meeting. It'll be fun for the boys and they are excited. Maybe next school year we could do the Adopting and take turns sending the packages.

[JenGonz1982]

I went to the Anysoldier.com site and I'm going to get a care package together for women and men.I'm on a tight budget of $100 per week for groceries,gas,and anything else we might need so I'm not sure I can buy some of the things they were looking for but I'd love to donate my CVS goodies to them :). I'm happy I found this thread

[sylphsjoy]

I am thrilled to see so many people sending packages out to the troops. I have read a few questions that I wanted to post a reply to.

When my hubby was deployed in Iraq it really didn't matter if he didn't have room to store things. He said that they had a big table in the middle of the warehouse that they were sleeping in for extras to share with their fellow soldiers. SO IF the soldier you are sending the package to does not currently have room or the need for that particular item...do not fear...there will be another soldier that is NEEDING that item.

The individual meals is a wonderful item to send over. They get so sick of eating the MRE meals when they cannot get to a chow hall and last I knew the cooks are still trying to figure out how to cook meals. I know a lot of soldiers lose a lot of weight just because they are trying to avoid the mess halls at certain camps because the food is so poorly prepared (read dry, burned, or just completely lacking taste).

Puzzle books, reading materials, hand held games, candy, anything to pass the time are also very welcomed. Boredom is a pretty serious problem because that is when the soldiers start dwelling on how much they are missing home and their families. IF you have any questions...feel free to PM me.

[TexasChaos]

Here is a great list of suggested items for the care packages:

http://soldiersangelsforum.com/index.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=1

[amygracet]

I didn't see that operation top knot info at first. Thank's Lilly's Mommy. I have some extra new baby items I'm going to donate once I get info form my e-mail.

[GrandmaLyn]

I just got an email from my sister. Her son, my nephew, has just arrived in Ramadi for his second tour of duty. He is asking her to send tuna and Qtips. He said the unit they are replacing will be leaving soon and he will let her know then what he needs. I emailed my sister back and told her if she can get me an address to send things to, I had plenty I could send. I don't know if this helps anyone or not, but that is straight from a Marine who has been there less than a month.

[thriftycj]

I'm putting together my second care package for my soldiers angels hero serving in Afghanistan. I sent her a H&B care package last time, so this one is a tasty treats box. So far I have...

2 heat and eat Taco Bell meals
Plastic cutlery
4 boxes worth of the individual drink mixes (designed to go in a water bottle) in various flavors
2 packets of tuna (thanks for the suggestion! :))

Gum
Microwave popcorn
Box of Thin Mints (hopefully its still early enough they won't get too melty!)
Magazine
DVD
Deck of cards


I've still got some room left in the box. Was thinking maybe beef jerky and maybe some cheez-its....

any other suggestions??

[GrandmaLyn]

Peanut butter and jelly in plastic containers, crackers, instant oatmeal, cereal bars, granola bars, nuts or granola mix, ziplock bags all sizes, protein bars, powdered gator ade, pre popped popcorn like cracker jacks or crunch and munch, beef jerkey,cup of noodles, soup at hand,small packs of any cold cereal (or even a regular size box because they will share with the others in their housing unit) hot chocolate (even though it is getting warm there, they still need something warm at nights when they are out on manuvers or for those who don't drink coffee) individual servings of spagettio's etc. cookies that wont melt like chips ahoy etc, batteries (all sizes) canned chicken, vienna sausages, pringles (the can protects them from breaking). HARD CANDY and SUCKERS for them to give to the kids there. My son said they had made friends with some of the kids because they were working and rebuilding schools when he was there. The kids came to "HELP" the troops with whatever needed to be done that they could do and all they wanted in return was a piece of gum or candy. He said they always made sure they had something for them.

One of the things we did when we packed boxes for our son was put the bigger bulkier things in the box first then use all the small things (gum, mints etc) to pack the box tight so nothing will shift in transit. If something is wrapped individually, take it out of the box and use it also to help fill in. We always sent the Sunday comics and news from the paper that would give the troops a boost in moral. I don't know if you know this soldier very well or not, but any pictures from home or where you live...anything to brighten their day. If you have children, let them draw a picture or write a short story and include it. My SIL was teaching a 4th grade class when my son was there and she had the kids write letters to him at Christmas. She sent them just the way they wrote them...no corrections. When my son came home on leave he brought them home with him and we sat and read them. Some were funny and some were real tear jerkers. If your kids are in a group like scouts etc or a church group, maybe suggest they do this as a project. The troops really do look forward to this type of thing.

Sorry for the book...but you asked ;-)

[GrandmaLyn]

I know you said you have sent H&B items before, but remember to include wipes. Not only can they use them for TP but also as a quick clean up because they can go for days without a shower.

[thriftycj]

Thank you so much for all your suggestions, GrandmaLyn! Your "novel" gave me some great ideas!! :)

I've actually never met my soldier and I don't have kids, but may ask some folks at work if they could have their kids make a drawing or write a letter to include in my care package.

I'm sending them out every two weeks....rotating H&B with snacks so as not to contaminate the food... I sent a big package of the garnier wipes last time and am stockpiling them for future care packages as well. Do you think that if I put them in a ziploc, they'd be okay to send with the food items?

[GrandmaLyn]

I would do just like you are. Keep food seperate from H&B. We also sent to him boxes of Twinkies etc. and pre wrapped pastries. I got the big boxes at Costco and looked for the ones with the longest expiration date. Since it was my son, I baked cookies for them. I don't recommend you doing this unless you personally know your soldier, but when my son got the cookies he emailed me and said that they were the biggest hit that they had recieved to that point. I used the break and bake kind of cookies (no, I wasn't doing grocery game then and was paying full price for everything). I had a couple elderly neighbor ladies help me and they got a kick out of doing that. One of us put the cookies on the pan, one baked and timed the cookies and the other wrapped them individually and packed them in the boxes we shipped them in. My son said the people in his unit couldn't believe we took the time to bake all the cookies (something like 45 dozen, we were busy all day) and then wrap them yet. He said it took about 2 days and they were all gone.

Another thing, if you know how long your soldier will be there, once school supplies start going on sale again next fall, stock up on them because they do drives for the kids in Iraq. At the end of the summer, we also waited until they started putting sandals and flip flops on clearence and bought a bunch of those for a buck a pair and it made no difference what size or for what sex. We sent them over and as the troops handed our school supplies for the kids, they also tried to get them a new pair of shoes. For some of these kids, it was the first time in their lives they had a pair of shoes to wear. If you can send small sprial notebooks or pens and pencils, the troops need those any time for when they are getting information or writing directions etc. That is another thing that you could send.

[GrandmaLyn]

I am sorry, but I keep thinking of other things we sent to our son. We sent bubbles (you know, like what the kids blow and play with) and silly string. They played with the kids with the bubbles and they used the silly string as a security measure before they went in to search a building. They shoot it in the air and as it falls to the ground if there are trip wires for explosives anywhere in the room, the silly string hangs up on the wire and the troops can then dismantle the booby trap before the search the buildinOur son told us a story of a little boy they had made friends with and the boy kept telling them that he knew where some "guns" were at. Once they felt they could trust him enough to let them know where he was talking about and they went to search the area they found a whole stockpile of IED's that the boy's father and uncle had buried.

[thriftycj]

I was so excited yesterday... I got an email from the contact person to whom I set two care packages through anysoldier.com (one was a male one, the other for a female). I think he just gave them to the entire unit...he said that everybody found something that they needed or really liked.

Those mushy CVS toothbrushes from last month were apparently the biggest hit (who would've thought?!?... and something that CVS paid ME to take out of the store!!!).

Just felt good to know that a whole group of people fighting for our country had their day made a bit brighter. I think I may have to send a couple snacky boxes to the same unit. :) Thinking of filling a box with the Taco Bell heat and eat meals for them... belated Cinco de Mayo celebration and a little taste of fast food from back home. :)

[frithar]

I am sorry, but I keep thinking of other things we sent to our son. We sent bubbles (you know, like what the kids blow and play with) and silly string. They played with the kids with the bubbles and they used the silly string as a security measure before they went in to search a building. They shoot it in the air and as it falls to the ground if there are trip wires for explosives anywhere in the room, the silly string hangs up on the wire and the troops can then dismantle the booby trap before the search the buildinOur son told us a story of a little boy they had made friends with and the boy kept telling them that he knew where some "guns" were at. Once they felt they could trust him enough to let them know where he was talking about and they went to search the area they found a whole stockpile of IED's that the boy's father and uncle had buried.

I like the idea of the silly string, but they told me not to send any aerosol thingy under pressure-- was it a problem for you?

Laura

Ps--thanks SO much for this Soldier's Angels idea!! I've sent two letters and two boxes and I'm so happy to do my part for our brave guys over there!!

[May 20]

Thank you for adopting. :D Someone is very grateful to you tonight.

I adopted two more last week -- a Marine (who will turn 21 in July! :eek: I'll be begging for birthday cards soon!) and a female airman. After I got the confirmations, I learned that my BIL, who was scheduled to rotate home in June, has been extended -- best case is October, worst case is February. He's been there since July. :( Then, I e-mailed my National Guardsman, who is on mailstop, and he told me that he might be extended! If he gets extended, he'll go off mailstop.

Oh, and in other SA-related news -- the price for flat-rate will increase when the 1st class stamp increases May 14th. The envelope will go from $4.05 to $4.60 and the box will go from $8.10 to $9.15.

[Jenny]

My daughter's classes just heard back from our Marines today by mail. They received all our packages and were very gracious and grateful in the letters. It brought tears to my eyes. Included were photos of some happy "boys" holding up their packages. I would never have been able to get so much stuff for them, if it hadn't been for the gift of GG and the inspiration I received here from such generous spirits. Thanks to you all for helping me.

Jen

[thriftycj]

May, your news brings up such an important point. with our current situation, so many of our military folks and their families are seeing extensions of tours or are going back overseas with very little time at home.

I think it makes civilian efforts to give back that much more important.... a simple thank you for the huge sacrifice these folks are being asked to bear for the sake of our country and just letting them know that their efforts are truly appreciated and that they are in our thoughts... well, I believe it can really boost spirits and make a difference.

[May 20]

I believe it can really boost spirits and make a difference.
You're so right. Receiving mail from us, even just a 99 cent card with a very brief message, gives our hardworking men and women a lift. They need us as much as we need them. They need to know that they haven't been forgotten over there.

I'm so grateful to every single one of you for stepping up and taking care of our troops. Thank you.

[GrandmaLyn]

We also need to remember those left behind at home. I know when our son was in Iraq our DIL needed lots of help at home with the everyday things. Mowing the yard, taking the kids to soccer practice and games, picking the kids up after school, doctor and dentist appointments etc. If you know someone who has a soldier deployed give them a helping hand also. Volunteer to babysit for an afternoon or evening so they have some free time to do what the need or want to do without kids around. Offer to make a meal or two so when they come home from work they can spend time with the kids instead of being tied to the stove and kitchen sink. Offer to help with homework with the kids. I know first hand that the soldier overseas worries as much about those that are left behind as we worry about them. If they know someone is helping their family out with the things they used to do when they were home, it is a relief to them and one less thing they need to worry about. God knows they have enough to worry about over there!

[NorthernLanes]

All signed up, rec'd my soldier's info.... writting a letter tonight! Thanks for posting the link.

[Aluminum Cloud]

At work a group of us adopted a platoon of 30 Marines. We are going to send them a package every month at least. Hopefully every two weeks. Our company is donating some funds (we have a "culture committee" that raises money for internal and external use), and we are also asking our co-workers for donations of money and supplies. I am loving all the suggestions on here, thanks so much!

[clipperd]

I just send for more info about joining one of their teams. The kids one where you send school suplies and plushes and stuff. Hope to hear from them soon. I think I would love ot adopt a soldier but i am spastic and may not remember to write every week so i want to see about that first before i sign up. Since doing this i have plenty of goodies I could send so I may do it in the coming weeks!! What a great website!!

[Gladiator]

I just mailed my first letter to my adopted soldier. I'm putting together a box to send next week. Thanks GG, and thanks to the OP for suggesting we adopt a soldier.

[NorthernLanes]

Just out of curiousity... did anyone (else) have trouble starting the very first letter? I felt so awkward writting to a complete stranger! I sat down to write and was completely blank! Am I alone here?

[clipperd]

well i looked thru the any soldier site and decided that i want to do this one. I think i feel too much pressure to remember to do something every week so at least this way i can accumulate a bunch of my cvs goodies and look for the snack stuff on sale and stock up and mail it off directly to a unit.

The only tough part was how to decide who to contact, theres just so many soldiers that need things. I went thru the newest contact and found a few. I went and ordered 20 boxes from the usps (not that i can send so many now but) and when they come i will start sorting and packing and then i wil have to go back and verify addresses. I was thinking of getting that large box of wipes from costco, i think it has like 4 packs in there and putting one in each box????

How do you guys let them know if a box is for "the unit" or for a female/male. Should I write on the outside for female mainly or male mainly, or for unit??? Sorry this will be my first time.

oh, also, do you guys think that those bic soleil razors with the free Q would be god to send over, i have been telling everyone to bring me these Q's so i can have a nice stockpile to donate in care packages, are these good for both sexes you think???

[Jenny]

You can specify on your packages "any soldier" or "any female soldier", so that shouldn't be an issue if you have specific packages set up for females. I think the wipes sound like a great item. When you look up a contact on anysoldier.com, you should be able to look at how many males/females there are in the unit that you would be sending to. You should be able to see what items that unit/soldier is requesting. I think the razors would be fine to send. You can get more information off of the website.

Good luck!

Jen

well i looked thru the any soldier site and decided that i want to do this one. I think i feel too much pressure to remember to do something every week so at least this way i can accumulate a bunch of my cvs goodies and look for the snack stuff on sale and stock up and mail it off directly to a unit.

The only tough part was how to decide who to contact, theres just so many soldiers that need things. I went thru the newest contact and found a few. I went and ordered 20 boxes from the usps (not that i can send so many now but) and when they come i will start sorting and packing and then i wil have to go back and verify addresses. I was thinking of getting that large box of wipes from costco, i think it has like 4 packs in there and putting one in each box????

How do you guys let them know if a box is for "the unit" or for a female/male. Should I write on the outside for female mainly or male mainly, or for unit??? Sorry this will be my first time.

oh, also, do you guys think that those bic soleil razors with the free Q would be god to send over, i have been telling everyone to bring me these Q's so i can have a nice stockpile to donate in care packages, are these good for both sexes you think???

[Jenny]

Just out of curiousity... did anyone (else) have trouble starting the very first letter? I felt so awkward writting to a complete stranger! I sat down to write and was completely blank! Am I alone here?


It is a bit awkward to start, but I'm sure that whatever you write from the heart will be appreciated. The one thing that most people say they like most in the packages are the letters. The letters the kids wrote in my daughter's class were a big hit! Let me know how everything goes!

Jen

[clipperd]

You can specify on your packages "any soldier" or "any female soldier", so that shouldn't be an issue if you have specific packages set up for females. I think the wipes sound like a great item. When you look up a contact on anysoldier.com, you should be able to look at how many males/females there are in the unit that you would be sending to. You should be able to see what items that unit/soldier is requesting. I think the razors would be fine to send. You can get more information off of the website.

Good luck!

Jen


Thanks Jen,
Yes I read thru the website almost all of it i think..lol. I jsut wanted to make sure that some guy wouldnt get tampons you know..heheh. Yes i like that they write in specifying what they want, i have already done a few seraches to see who most needs the items i have and whatever else i can afford. I can def not afford an ipod..lol. Im very pumped i cant wait till my po boxes get here!!

[Admin Jorelanu]

Just out of curiousity... did anyone (else) have trouble starting the very first letter? I felt so awkward writting to a complete stranger! I sat down to write and was completely blank! Am I alone here?

I felt the same way so I had my kiddo write letters for boxes I have sent. She did a great job I think.

Jore

[gin3]

I also adopted a soldier b/c of this thread and will send my 2nd pkg. out BEFORE May 14 since the shipping rate will be going up. Figure save a little $$ on shipping this last time!

[May 20]

Just out of curiousity... did anyone (else) have trouble starting the very first letter? I felt so awkward writting to a complete stranger! I sat down to write and was completely blank! Am I alone here?
That first letter is very hard to write. I've written four "first letters" by now, so I know. :o

Introduce yourself. Tell him or her about you, what you do for a living and your hobbies and interests. Tell about your kids and pets and hubbies. Tell why you chose to become a Soldier's Angel. Tell him or her how proud you are of him and of what he's doing for you. Tell your favorite corny joke, even if you think they've already heard it before. Be positive and cheery. (And don't worry about the length. My first letter is about half as long as my subsequent letters, which are basically blog-type retellings of the high points of my days.) Tuck in a stick of gum, if you have any ;) , or a pack or two of TrueLemon and call it done.

Decorate the envelope, if you have the means and the time. I put a huge smily-face sticker across the seal and write, "To my amazing Hero from your Soldier's Angel" across the back.

Then send it with the faith that your soldier will receive it and read it and feel good that someone over here cares enough about someone over there to be an Angel.

[NorthernLanes]

Awesome advice, Ladies! Thanks soooo much!

[clipperd]

Have another question, this one not so much on care pacakges but the stuf for the kids. I am waiting on my boxes from the post office for the care pacakges cuz id rather do flat rate on those due to weight, however, i am going to try to send one out before week end but with stuffed animals and such for ditribution to the kids.

Do you guys think its ok to send new and in the little bag toys from like Mcdonalds' and from the cereal boxes. Not trying to be cheap but we have no kids and i like my lucky charms..lol and sometimes like now they have those spiderman water squirters, i thought these are little trinkets that could be easy to take witht hem to give out. what do you all think???

So far i have a mickey plush, a couple of smaller ones from those grab machines and also 4 nice ones from sea world that i got out of those plush nad grab machines (i am very good at those but really have no one to give them too..lol and i cant keep all i get all the time..lol), is this acceptable? they are all in really good conditon and like i said i dont even open the little toys from the cereals and some of them are actually quite kool!!

opinions?

[mommy3]

My family adopted a soldier because of this site and we are so excited to send out our first package. We were given an email address so we sent him a short note explaining what we were doing and that we would send snail mail and a package soon. NEVER EXPECTING TO HEAR FROM HIM.....we rec'd an email today from him. He can't wait for our package and he sounds like a good kid. I'm just getting goose bumps thinking about it.
THANKS TO ALL WHO ARE HELPING OUT OF SOLDIERS....GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!

[more4less]

Regarding the post above: I think soldiers would like to have something for the kids they see in the country where they are currently working. If you were a little kid, military men might look or seem "scary" to you.

I just mailed my first anysoldier.com package today. WHAT A TREMENDOUSLY EMOTIONALLY HEALING EXPERIENCE FOR ME. Our box was so huge and the postman was so nice. He walked me through the entire process. I don't know how much it weighed, but it was a box the size of a filing cabinet drawer. On the customs form he had me fill out, he told me to mark "non-returnable" so that if that particular GI didn't receive it because he was relocated, it would be handed to any other GI in that area. I was totally fine with that. It had some toiletries, some snacks, a football and a frisbee. My kids had helped me pack and shop so I used that as a starting point for my letter....:rolleyes: They had chosen a 3 pound bag of lollipops, some dinosaur Ritz crackers, and a jar of peanut butter "just in case they wanted to dip their oreos!" We packed LOTS of different snacks. We also put in a self-addressed stamped envelope. We'd like to hear back. We'll see. I opted for a soldier in Afghanistan because my son is troubled? about Iraq. He asks all sorts of questions. His 9 year old mind I think is struggling with the pix of war he has seen, etc. so we sent ours to Afg. Thanks so much for the posting about splurging our stockpiles on our military. I paid for priority shipping today and consider it a very small cost to pay compared to what our military is doing to keep us safe at home.

[GrandmaLyn]

We also put in a self-addressed stamped envelope.
;) Just thought I would let everyone know that any member of the military serving on foreign soil does not have to pay any postage to send things back to the US. Just a self addressed envelope is all you need...no stamps:D

ALSO don't waste your money on priority shipping. Send it regular or 3rd class because once it reaches the APO (military) destination on the coast the military ships everything from there no matter what price you paid the post office.

[May 20]

And another FYI on the customs form: if you mark your package "treat as abandoned", they have to wait quite a while (six months, iirc) before they can open it and distribute the contents to another soldier. I was told at the SA message board to mark "forward to" and then write "chaplain at same address". That way, the chaplain has permission to open the box and distribute the contents to other soldiers if the soldier you sent it to has rotated home.

I second what Grandma Lyn said -- if you don't use the flat-rate boxes, don't send your box priority. It's just too expensive and won't get your box to your soldier that much faster.

[lessthangraceful]

My husband said the McD's toys would be an awesome idea. The kids weren't scared of them at all when he was there and sometimes followed them around even when they had already given out all of their goodies. I worried a bit that the kids may be hurt by those targeting them but from what I understand those guys and girls over there are extremely careful about that.

I don't think it would be cheap at all. I mean, my kids play with those darn cereal and happy meal toys more than the expensieve ones I buy. One more of those farting cartoon characters and I'm sticking my head in the oven.

[clipperd]

My husband said the McD's toys would be an awesome idea. The kids weren't scared of them at all when he was there and sometimes followed them around even when they had already given out all of their goodies. I worried a bit that the kids may be hurt by those targeting them but from what I understand those guys and girls over there are extremely careful about that.

I don't think it would be cheap at all. I mean, my kids play with those darn cereal and happy meal toys more than the expensieve ones I buy. One more of those farting cartoon characters and I'm sticking my head in the oven.


Thats great to hear!!! I was making my box, its almost full and I was hoping for a for sure answer. I managed to scrape up about a dozen little toys, still wrapped, from one thing or another.

I am also waiting on my boxes from usps to get started on the care packages but Im going to publix tonight before some sales end, i realized they make doritos now but in the cans, most of the requests are for snack and stuff and doritos were requested a gazillion times, the cans are on sale for $1 and it beats the bag getting squished during shipping. They also had cheetos too. Just thought id put that out there for those (like me) who dont realize when new things hit the market!!...hehehe

[GrandmaLyn]

Another thing to send that doesn't take up a lot of room is CD'S and DVD's. Some of the troops do have computers and CD players so any of the new ones coming out will be new to them also.

[Admin Jorelanu]

Lil happy meal toys are a good thing! My sister and I sent a bunch and what wasn't handed out to local children, were enjoyed by the *large children* stationed there. ;) Being stationed over there is no fun and sometimes a silly toy can make their day.

Jore

[thriftycj]

LOL. Now I have a use for all my happy meal toys... its what I always order at McD's (plain cheeseburger, apple dippers, and a milk)!

Sent out care package #2 today...

Two taco bell meals, lots of different drink mixes for water bottles, girl scout cookies, applesauce, doritos, emery boards, two bags of cream savers, 2 packages microwave popcorn, a big bag of plastic utensils, a magazine, and a deck of cards.

Hope my soldier Catherine enjoys it!

[May 20]

CJ, she will absolutely be thrilled. :)

[clipperd]

I have what may seem like a dumb question but i see it here a lot. A lot of you mention sending your soldiers a taco bell meal kit, i suposed it could be old el paso, or w/.e brand but what can they do with those? I mean do you send like a pack of bumble bee chicken or what? This may sound really ignorant but I have no clue. Do all of them have access to a dining hall that has chicken or meat for this??? And thats wher they eat this??? Or do you send the packets along???

[thriftycj]

I have what may seem like a dumb question but i see it here a lot. A lot of you mention sending your soldiers a taco bell meal kit, i suposed it could be old el paso, or w/.e brand but what can they do with those? I mean do you send like a pack of bumble bee chicken or what? This may sound really ignorant but I have no clue. Do all of them have access to a dining hall that has chicken or meat for this??? And thats wher they eat this??? Or do you send the packets along???

No, that is a good question! I don't send the ready-to-assemble taco bell "kits." They also make a ready-to-eat microwave meal that has meat, rice, beans, etc in them. I've seen them with steak, chicken, and beans. They just have to microwave it.

I sent utensils too in case they didn't have any. :)

[clipperd]

No, that is a good question! I don't send the ready-to-assemble taco bell "kits." They also make a ready-to-eat microwave meal that has meat, rice, beans, etc in them. I've seen them with steak, chicken, and beans. They just have to microwave it.

I sent utensils too in case they didn't have any. :)


Ok thanks!! I had no idea, I have never seen these, now of course I will have to look for them..lol. I'm assuming this is not in the frozen section, so is it near the taco bell stuff? I sat there pondering in that aisle the other day thinking to myself, how in the hack do they eat this!!!, well now i know i had the wrong product in mind...haha

[May 20]

It's a shelf-stable product.

A lot of our men and women will be outside the line at mealtime, and when they return, the mess hall is closed for the night. So they are stuck eating MREs, which lose their novelty very quickly. If they have access to a microwave, they do like those shelf-stable meals for nights like that.

Something else that you can send is condiments. Ketchup, mustard (which many of us can get for free), Tobasco, etc. A lot of those mess hall cooks (though doing their best) aren't gourmet chefs. ;) Just make sure you put the bottle in a Ziploc bag in case of leakage.

[TexasChaos]

Some great tips here, thanks!

I found this really cool "toy" I think I will try to send. It's "Instant Snow" that comes in a little can, and they just add water and it expands to make a ton. I found it at my local craft store and got it with a 40% off coupon, so it only cost me a few dollars. It looks like a blast! I will have to get some for my kids and DH too, because they are all itchin' to try it!

[GrandmaLyn]

Some great tips here, thanks!

I found this really cool "toy" I think I will try to send. It's "Instant Snow" that comes in a little can, and they just add water and it expands to make a ton. I found it at my local craft store and got it with a 40% off coupon, so it only cost me a few dollars. It looks like a blast! I will have to get some for my kids and DH too, because they are all itchin' to try it!

This would be something neat to send at Christmas time also. A lot of the troops would love to
:eek: see:eek: a WHITE CHRISTMAS!

[NorthernLanes]

Some great tips here, thanks!

I found this really cool "toy" I think I will try to send. It's "Instant Snow" that comes in a little can, and they just add water and it expands to make a ton. I found it at my local craft store and got it with a 40% off coupon, so it only cost me a few dollars. It looks like a blast! I will have to get some for my kids and DH too, because they are all itchin' to try it!

How awesome does THIS sound! I'm loving it... and hoping I can find it here! Thanks for mentioning it.

[Brenda]

I was just doing some reading on the "Any Soldier" website and saw a request for water balloons. It made me smile and I'll forsure be including those in the boxes I send this week.

[clipperd]

OK well I'm really excited, I sent out two packages full of small toys and stuffed animals a couple of days ago but I am realy excited that my care packages are done and going out tomorrow. I did 3, going to 3 different places (wanted to spread the love..lol) and packed them full of fun snack like doritos, gum, slim jim, dum dum pops, drink mixes and such. Also stuck in a small toy (for their own fun) and had one kid request action figures so i stuck a really kool one in there, a koozie (in case it can help keep something colder), sundays comics , OK magazine, and some envelops, pens and a notepad so they can write home (or to me..lol). They will be out in the mail tomorrow.
Next I want to try my hand at the hygiene pakages, heck i havent been killing myself looking for those free razors for nothing!!...lol

[jenn_jlm]

I was approved yesterday to join the adopt a soldier program. I received all his information yesterday. Today I wrote my first letter. It was much easier than I thought it would be. I can't wait to get together a care package. I need to pay a visit to the post office for some boxes!! This is such a wonderful way to give something back.

[NorthernLanes]

I need to pay a visit to the post office for some boxes!!

You can order boxes and labels and customs forms online HERE (http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductCategoryDisplay?catalogId=10152&storeId=10001&categoryId=13354&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=11820&top_category=11820) and the postal service will deliver them to your door FREE OF CHARGE!

You can also call the USPS 800 number and order a "MILI-KIT" which is a great "starter" pack. I couldn't find a like to that - Sorry.

[clipperd]

Another question for more experienced senders out there. Do you guys ship the edge and skintimate cans, arent they aerosol like?? Do they explode? Just a qusetion cuz everyone requests shaving cream but most come on those cans, didnt want it to explode. ON the same token some of the larger guy platoons request air freshners, is it ok to send an aerosol can?? Is that allowed or do those explode as well? Just a coupld of questions as im getting ready to make my hygiene packages.

[May 20]

I've been told to not send aerosol cans of anything. When the troops ask for shave cream, I send my men the Edge stuff in a tube (can't remember the name, but it's the one pictured on the coupon), and I send my women hair conditioner. (If you've never tried it, do. It works really well.) I send the Glade Glass scents for air freshener. They don't leak like some of the liquid ones do.

HTH

[chosenone4486]

I just signed up on the website... When can I expect to hear back from them?

[May 20]

Probably within 24-48 hours. They move rather quickly.

[Houston gal]

Most likely today. I received my soldier's info within 24 hrs and my mentor emailed me about 2 days later.

[NorthernLanes]

I rec'd my soldier's info about 4 hours after I submited info.

[chosenone4486]

It's been 2 days... I emailed them to see if everything went through. I'll wait to hear back from them.

[clipperd]

I emailed about something, joining a team vs adopting a soldier straight out and never heard from them. Luckily i found anysoldier. If you really are set on this and havent heard back, send them another email.

[clipperd]

Hey guy, I just wanted to share that i was pretty pumped to get an email from one of the soldiers i sent a package out to. I really wasnt sure that i was going ot hear back from anybody since well for obvious reasons..lol, but i got one today. Very pumped!!!, im going to start working on another snack package for them since it seems it as very much enjoyd..hehe.

[shaparra]

Hi everyone,
I had a question and maybe one of you can help me. Can children also send a letter or is it only adults that can send letters? How are you notified when your soldier comes home? do you just keep writing? I talked to my kids about adopting a soldier and they are very excited. Like my 6 yr old Leilani said " mom, its not right that they are far away fighting, and we are here at home. we have to adopt them and send them something." hopefully you guys can help me out.

Sara

[gin3]

Yes, kids can write too they really enjoy it. You will be notified of a "mail stop" when they come home. HTH

[May 20]

Yes, kids can send letters. My kids have done so, and the soldiers really do love hearing from kids. My daughter has wanted to actually adopt her own soldier, but I would discourage that simply because of the unknowns -- she's too young to receive that phone call.

You should be notified of a mail stop, but you might not be. When your letters start coming back to you, you'll know for sure that your soldier is on mail stop and will be rotated back home soon. If you have a soldier (Army), you can expect his tour to be about a year long. If you have a Marine, you can expect about 6 months. If you have a sailor or Airman, you're sort of in the dark because they don't rotate their troops in the same way.

Because of this, when you mail a package, on the customs form, it asks what to do if the box is undeliverable. DO NOT have it returned to you; you will probably have to pay the return postage. If you mark "treat as abandoned", the box has to sit unopened for a while (six month, IIRC) before it can be opened and distributed to other soldiers. Mark "forward to" and write "Chaplain at same address". If you do that, the chaplain can verify that the soldier has rotated home and can then open the box and distribute what you sent to other soldiers.

HTH

[Kathi]

Here goes another dumb question. I just joined Soldier's Angels yesterday and have a soldier's name and address. How can I find out where he is located, (which country) to find out what is appropriate to send. I'll send him his first letter today but if he doesn't respond then I am kind of clueless.

Kathi

[HaleyRose]

how do you adopt a soldier

[thriftycj]

The first posts in the thread give options for adopting soldiers, whether you want to adopt one long term or just send a one time care package.

When I got my soldier, I googled the information given and was able to determine that my soldier was in Afghanistan.

HTH!

[Carole in N. Texas]

I just submitted my request to join Soldier's Angels. I can't wait to hear back and get a letter and package in the mail! Thank you so much for posting this information!

[May 20]

Good News!! My soldier who has spent the past year in Afghanistan is now home here in the States!!

I'm so happy for him!!

[May 20]

Well, I'm back to square one. I adopted two soldiers in late April -- one is now home and the other is on mailstop and will come home in a couple of weeks. YAY!!

I'm off to the SA 2nd adoptions for another one. I swear, this is like potato chips -- once you start you can't stop.

If you've adopted a soldier, how is that going for you?

Please always remember, even if your Hero never writes to you, he or she thanks you every time your letters and care packages arrive. And I thank you, too, for sharing your bounty and your hearts with our servicemen and women.

[~Cathleen]

Thoughts. I just was thinking, I work at Mcdonalds. So how does this sound.

mayo packets, packs of tuna fish and some crackers :-) yumm...
Plus i just figured, ill grab some of each of the condiments at work and put in one of the care packs.


Care Pack one- Food
Care Pack two-HAB
Care Packe three-toys

then repeat.

I want to send one everyweek.

Something thou...can i send bottles of water? and what types of things are a good idea to send?

[kejais]

My DH spent 18 months in Afganistan so I sent A LOT of packages.
some ideas are..
*flavorings for bottled water- the water taste really bad and this is a great way to keep our soldiers hydrated.
* lots of beef jerky- good protein
*candy, granola bars, peanuts, dried fruit, micro popcorn
* ready to eat meals-they can be a real help when no dining facilities or MRE's are available.
* magazines,newspapers ( this is a great way for soldiers to keep up on whats going on at home)
*all heb especially wet wipes, showers and tp aren't always an option
*crayons, coloring books, word puzzles and dvd's
*phone cards

My kids would color half and picture and then daddy would color the other half and send it back. It was a great way for them to stay connected to daddy.

You are all doing a great thing. Everything you send is needed and appreciated!
God Bless You!

[AnnaM]

I adopted my soldier today and he happened to have an email so I sent him a hello and guess what?! I heard back from him already. I nearly cried. Isnt that so mushy of me?! I was happy to do it knowing I probably wouldnt get a response back but it is so cool to know I will be able to write back and forth with him.

[May 20]

Oh, Anna, that's wonderful!!! It makes all of this so much more real when they have the ability and the time to e-mail and/or write. You'll be able to make his care packages even more useful to him since he can tell you what he likes and wants. You'll probably have a hard time getting him to tell you what he needs, so don't press too hard with that word. Ask him what he misses instead. ;)

And, no, it's not mushy. Every time I see "Free Mail" where the stamp should be, I get shivers.

Oh, I have shivers now just thinking about how excited you must be!