A letter of support, a child’s drawing, a package of treats or of necessary items — all of these can work wonders in bolstering the spirits of our service members who are far from home during the holidays.
All too often, they’re lacking in many of the everyday comforts we take for granted.
A surprise care package can be just the thing — and it’s a great idea to enlist the help of the kids to prop up our troops’ spirits.
With the holiday season already upon us, here’s a handy list of some of the organizations that can help you deliver a package that will be much appreciated.
Contribute to a Care Package
Operation Care Package sends parcels to troops around the world, and is working overtime to get as many out as possible in time for the holidays.
How it works: You donate items to be included, like gift cards (iTunes, Google Play, Amazon), phone cards, granola or Clif Bars, non-melting candy, gum and mints, coffee, or small (plastic) bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotions and soaps (no home-baked treats allowed). Suggested items can be found on their website: operationcarepackages.org.
Send items no later than Dec. 1 to:
Operation Care Package
611 Wilcox Street
Joliet, IL 60435
Send Your Own Package
AnySoldier.com lets you send a package directly to an active duty service member stationed outside of the continental U.S. who has volunteered to spread mail to other soldiers stationed nearby.
How it works: Peruse the list of soldiers on the site. You can select by branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard), location, or home state.
Next, read up on the soldier’s specific needs or requests, which run the gamut from flavored teas and fiber bars to socks and outlet adapters, then register your email to obtain the full mailing address where you may send a package or letter.
The site currently has nearly 300 point-of-contact service members who each deliver mail to about 15 troops on average. Packages should be in the mail by Dec. 10 to arrive in time for the holidays.
Tip: Especially during the holidays, smaller boxes are better, so keep them to 10 pounds or less.
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