What to Include in a Care Package to a Solider
Our troops, those that are stationed locally and abroad, serving our country, have a huge need for care packages from the home front.
The first, and most basic need that it fulfills, is that thrill of getting something new to experience, a gift or present to open. Anticipation, curiosity, something just for them. like a child on Christmas morning. It is a natural desire for us as humans to feel excited or elated and that is what a care package does for a solider serving their country.
The second, and equally important need it fulfills, is that it makes them feel appreciated, validated, and respected.. Someone is thinking of them, has empathy for their job, and understands how hard it can be to go without life's pleasures, when they are deployed so far away from home. Often out in the middle of nowhere, with noway to attain anything, such a a bag of peanuts or a piece of mint candy.
The third, and greatest need is two fold. The first being, the items that come in the care packages can benifit the solider financially. For example, if they receive personal care hygiene items it lets them spend money that they would have had to use for the hygiene items for some other expense. It saves them some cash .Second, it provides them with a product they may not have access too, such as baby wipes ,mouthwash, or something that the military does not provide for them.Possibly something they can not purchase in a base PX where they are deployed, or on board a ship such as a Naval deployment.
The actual physical act of gathering and assembling a solider care package, packing and shipping it off can be perplexing for the average civilian.
What sort of items are included in a care package? What if I don't know the soldier it's going to? Should I assemble items for a male or female solider?
With a little research, and fore thought many of these questions can be easily answered.
There are several different catergorys of items deployed service men and women like to receive.
The first being food and beverage items. Snack items such as nuts, beef jerky, trail mix, dried fruits,granola and granola bars.protein bars and fruit bars are all healthy favorites of the troops.
They can be put in a backpack and carried with them, as they go about their duties to be consumed when desired.
Items such as factory packaged cookies, crackers, non chocolate candies, popcorn snacks, cheese spreads, whole grain chips, make good choices as well..
For beverages, hot chocolate, instant coffee and tea mixes or bags. Powdered drink mixes such as lemonade, fruit drink mixes, that can be mixed with a portion of water to make a single serving are good choices.
Sometimes the troops have the use of a microwave, so individual servings of canned soups, pastas, stews, ramen noodles, and beans are a good item to send.
The second group of items to include in the care package are personal care items.
Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes, mouthwash,soap or body wash. Shaving razors, shaving cream, lotion, foot powder, Vaseline and baby wipes.
For females, feminine pads, or tampons and body sprays. Shower thong shoes , wash cloths, pony tail elastic bands or head bands.
Almost any hygeine product is a smart choice when assembling a care package.
The third set of items can be fun or amusement items. Things to help pass the time.
Books or magazines to read, cards, board games, hand held games, music players, Cd's. DVD movies, portable DVD players. Video games or game consoles can also be sent if requested. Other items might include,writing paper,envelopes.pens, pencils. puzzle books, art supplies.small sewing craft kits,or paint by numbers sets. Small is the key here, so they can be easily transported.
Good choices of entertainment are vital. Nothing adult , x rated ,or offensive. Any items of a religious nature should only be sent if you know the service person and they have requested it.
Drugs and or alcohol or anything illegal should not be sent. Be tasteful and selective in making your choices.
Sometimes items like socks , underwear, sheets , pillowcases, towels and blanket throws are requested. These are better sent to troops you personally know.
Pack food and beverage items in care packages seperate from hygeine items , make sure they are sealed in ziplock bags, and sealed in their orgional factory package.
Chocolate, and items that melt easy should be avoided. Never send homemade items such as cookies or candy, unless you are sending it to a spouse or family member. Most of the time. homemade food items would be discarded if sent in a care package addressed to any soldier for safety reasons.
There is a web site called anysolider.com. Where members of the deployed military post what their needs are and you can choose a solider to send your package too.
They have information on address's of where to send your care package.
Care packages are a vital agenda to a solider's emotional and mental health. Sending one is a great act of humanity.
