ALT-1 How to Shop for a Deployed Soldier
Imagine being away in some far away place where you are completely out of contact with family members, friends, loved ones and everything else that is familiar to your every day life. Then imagine how a deployed soldier must feel when faced with these circumstances, often when they are out in the field somewhere and unable to enjoy the creature comforts that we tend to take for granted. These are the main reasons for which family members, friends, churches, various organizations and concerned people in general, decide to send holiday gifts or care packages to deployed soldiers.Typical things that you would regularly have on hand, and little things that are just for fun are great things to send to deployed soldiers.*Personal care products -Soldiers can always use personal care products because there is no place to get them when they are out in the field. Basic things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, soap, razors and shaving cream are very helpful. So are first aid items like aspirin, band-aids, sunscreen and antiseptic for wounds. Other things such as insoles for shoes and sanitary napkins for women are welcome at any time.*Snacks -Many deployed soldiers long to have the simple treats that are readily available at home. Be careful about sending candy bars and things that might melt in climates that are very hot. You can send things like Pringles potato chips in a can, jerky, mints, lifesavers, gummy bears, chewing gum different types of nuts, crackers, cookies, canned meats and other similar items that will travel well and will also be greatly appreciated. Make sure you purchase things in individual serving packages or in packages that can be easily sealed after opening.*Books, magazines, cards and games -Books, popular magazines, playing cards and games like travel versions of checkers, chess, backgammon, Scrabble, Monopoly or even Battleship are great things to consider sending. Be sure that the games have a case that they can be stored in, otherwise they may get covered with sand or other debris. It may not seem like anything special to you, but you need to realize that all of these things that we take for granted are things that aren't available to soldiers who are deployed.*Home made goodies-Perhaps the best thing you can send to a deployed soldier are home baked goodies. Think about things that can be packed so that they won't get crushed or smashed, and that won't spoil in the shipping process. Cookies, brownies, home made fudge, peanut brittle are all great things to send. The fact that you've made them will make these treats all the more special to a soldier away from loved ones.When shopping for a deployed soldier, you may think you are rather limited, but that isn't necessarily the case. You just have to think about shopping differently. Think about purchasing things that a soldier couldn't possibly get in the field, mainly personal care items.
- Long Distance Phone Cards -
Since you have no way of knowing exactly where a deployed soldier might be when they decide to make a phone call, it's important to make sure that the type of phone card you send can be used for international calls. You may want to load the card with the maximum amount of minutes you can get.
- Batteries -
Batteries may be necessary for everything from flashlights to iPods or the various electronic game gadgets that a soldier might have. You may want to buy the batteries in larger quantities because it may be a while before you can send another package, but sending extras makes it possible for soldiers to share with other soldiers.
- Neck coolies -
If you know that a soldier is deployed in a place in the Middle East where the heat can be dangerous, a neck coolie is a wonderful thing to send. What it is is a scarf like object that is filled with water absorbing crystals. When the neck coolie is soaked in cold water, the crystals absorb that water, and the soldier can put this thing around his or her neck, snap or hook it to keep it in place, and for as long as the crystals keep the entire neck coolie moist, a soldier will stay cooler than he or she would without it.
- Personal notes or cards -
Enclosing a letter or card in your package is another great way to connect the soldier with home. Regardless of whether you know the soldier, are related in any way or are simply a friend, soldiers love hearing from people, especially when people tell them how much they appreciate what the soldier is doing and how grateful you are for their service. Soldiers are forced to deal with situations that most people can't begin to understand. Simple expressions of gratitude can help to keep them focused on the job at hand.
Think about snacks and treats that you know your soldier loves at home and is probably missing because he or she can't have them. As long as these things are packaged properly, they can be the perfect thing to send. Most of all, treats from home will be incredibly meaningful because they are made with love. Everything that people take for granted at home and expect to have on a daily or frequent basis are things that soldiers will never have when deployed, and these are the very things that a deployed soldier would love to receive.
