http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm
Just wanted to share this AMAZING site with you today. It connects deployed service members with everyday citizens wanting to help our soldiers. It is completely searchable by item to be sent, service branch, location of deployment, state unit is deployed from and more. You can read posts from service members to get an idea of what life is like when deployed and the type of donations that are really needed. You can also make monetary donations or purchase gear online to be sent to your adopted soldier.
The process is pretty straight forward:
(1) Look at the "Where to Send" section to get some ideas about what service members are in need of most. Make sure you get things that will ship well. These boxes get pretty beat up.
(2) Make purchases.
(3) Get at least two flat rate boxes (Tell them you are sending to service members. They have special boxes.) Also, go ahead and get your customs forms to fill out.
(4) Pack one box with necessary items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc. Pack the other box full of food and snacks. Apparently, after two weeks in a box and 100 degree temps, crackers will start absorbing the scent of deodorant. Who knew?! I like to put things that may leak in ziploc bags for extra protection. Really cram as much as you can in each box to get the best shipping for your money.
(5) Use packing tape to tape up the boxes. Go over each fold at least twice and if the box is especially heavy, go ahead and tape up the corners too.
(6) Go back to www.anysoldier.com and request the address of the soldier you have chosen. It will be sent to you via email in a matter of minutes.
(7) Fll out the customs forms according to the directions and tape to the packages.
(8) Now just mail it off!
I've included a few of the things that most of the service members request and some things I have found they seem to enjoy:
bar soap beach balls
body wash water balloons
razors shaving cream or soap
feminine products baby wipes
toothbrushes Q-tips
toothpaste individual drink mix packets
deodorant sunscreen
Axe body spray gum
AA and AAA batteries lotion
any type of candy shampoo
foot powder writing materials
body powder calling cards
books and magazines A & D Ointment
DVDs and video games baby powder
glow sticks individually packaged snacks
flashlights silly string
any type of nuts or seeds playing cards and poker chips
sunflower seeds floss and floss picks
any type of nuts microwaveable meals and snacks
mouthwash letters and cards of encouragement
toys like whoopie cushions birthday party supplies
holiday decorations theme party supplies
twin size sheets towels and blankets
magic kits remote controlled toys
This makes a great project for classrooms, school and civic groups, church groups, etc. Most service members will email you after it is received if you will include your contact information.
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