Care Packages

Care Packages for Servicemembers

The following is a list of suggested items for care packages.  If you are interested in donating a specific item or preparing a package for an individual servicemember, please be sure to look at our current list of critically needed items.

• Most-needed Items: Postage Stamps, Sunscreen, Crystal Light On The Go Packs, Chewing Gum, Tuna and Chicken Salad Lunches To Go, Chapstick, Toothbrushes, Travel Size Toothpaste, Travel Size Body Wash, Travel-size Unscented Wet Wipes, Men’s Razors, Recent DVDs, Playing Cards, Travel Games, Disposable Cameras, Black Pens, Long and Thick Black Socks, Pocket Fans, Canned Fly Traps, and Batteries. 
• Toiletries and Other: (Travel size toiletries work well.) Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Razors, Shaving Gel, Chapstick, Unscented Lotion, Mouthwash, Combs, Eye Drops, Q-tips, Dental Floss, Sunblock, Insect Repellent (Off with Deet is requested for troops in Iraq and Africa.), Wet Wipes, Shampoo, Body Wash, Foot Powder, Inflatable Pillow, Small Travel Pillow, Batteries, and Pocket/Foot Warmers (during winter months only).
• Entertainment: DVDs, CDs, Comics, Phone Cards, Disposable Cameras, Crossword Puzzles, Word Searches, Paperback Books, Current Magazines, Playing Cards, Travel Games, Frisbees, Water Guns, and Hackie Sacks.
• Writing Supplies: Envelopes, Stationary, Black Ink Pens, and Highlighters.  
• Food/snacks: Note - all snacks must be prepackaged. Homemade goodies are discouraged, due to Custom's regulations. Chocolate (only during the winter months), Hard Candies, Tic-tacs, Chewing Gum, Trail Mix, Cracker Jacks, Slim Jims, Cookies, Fruit Cups in Metal Tins Only, Individual Size Drink Mix Packs, Nuts (unshelled sunflower seeds and pistachios are favorites),  Handi Snacks, Mini-Boxes of Assorted Cereals, Pretzels, Pre-popped Popcorn, Fruit-by-the-foot, Gummy Snacks, Pringles, and Prepackaged Tuna and Chicken Salad Lunches.
• Suggestions for Birthdays: Party in a bag -- Streamers, party hat, party blowers, candles, bag of balloons, some small candies or lollipops. For the guys -- Turn a kids plastic baseball hat upside down (a baseball cap will work, as well.) Fill it with unshelled peanuts, balloons, party blowers, beef jerky, and Cracker Jacks. Wrap with cellophane and tie off with a curly ribbon.
  For the girls -- Purchase an inexpensive makeup bag and fill with some small lotions, a party blower, balloons, candies, and lip gloss.

WARNING: Please do not send items containing pork to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Care Packages for Family

It is often difficult to purchase cards and small gifts to send home for holidays and special occasions. A deployed servicemember does not have access to the resources and stores like we do back in the States.  Below is a list of items we are currently collecting to send to the troops, so they may send them home to their loved ones for special occasions.  We also have requests to directly distribute these items stateside.   

Items for Spouses: Handmade Cards, Handmade Albums (Paper bag albums work well.), Handmade Jewelry, Gift Certificates, and Unused Paper Crafting/Scrapbooking Supplies.

Items for Children: New Stuffed Animals, Beanie Babies, and Unused Toys for Ages 1-15.