[Marygod1234]

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I had been saving all the freebies and no cost products by coupons to send as a care package to a friend's son who is currently serving in Iraq. I was curious as to how much this would cost and surfed the United Postal Service Website. I did a search for FPO up came a link to military addressing FAQ
and followed it to here:
http://c001-iq-prod.responseondemand.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?session={f5c12910-7296-11dc-c696-000000000000}&event=1&view()=c%7B0a596b50-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000%7D&objectId=&eksObjectId=&objectType=Case&isJumpEnabled=false&isContentJumpEnabled=false&vendorKey=&objTitle=&versionId=446

This is what came up:
Military Care Package Kit
Since Priority Mail service supplies are the packaging of choice for families preparing care packages for service members overseas, the USPS has created a "Mili-kit" based on the items most frequently requested by the military.

This Kit is provided at NO Charge and they Mail It To YOU FREE :flag:
The kit contains:

Three (3) each of flat rate boxes O-FRB1 and O-FRB2
Two (2) each of Cube boxes OBOX7
Address labels - Label # 228 8 each
Address labels - Label # 106-A 1 each
Customs FORM 2976-A 8 EA.
Customs FORM 2976-E 8 EA.
The kit may be requested by calling 1-800-610-8734 (Packing Supply) and:

Choose your language (1 is English, 2 is Spanish).
Choose option 1 (it states it is for Express Mail service, Priority Mail or Global Express Guaranteed).
When you reach a live agent, request CAREKIT04.
Please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
Note: These are free supplies, postage must be affixed.

Additionally, you can find guidelines for packing, addressing, and shipping items to U.S. troops at USPS - Supporting Our Troops.

When I spoke with the Customer Service Agent she said that each box can weigh up to 70 lbs and you will ONLY pay $8.95 per BOX! They request NO shipping of anything that can spoil or melt (chocolate candy is nice but in 125 degree heat it melts real FAST!

Just thought I would share! I'm even going to do more shopping for our members of the military.

Mary

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[LisaArbo]

Wow! Nice post!

[jenkerr1]

Thank you!! I also have a pile of things I planned to send and did not know aobut this!!

[Goldi43192]

How about if we start a new thread for people here on AFC to to submit names of family and friends in the service and we those of us that want can send care packages?

[queenbear]

That is an excellent idea..I personally do not know anyone who has a family member in the military. I'm sure I could get names if needed, I am a sponsor for, Toys for Tots run by the US Marine Corps. But I would love to make sure it got to someones loved one who could share it with there troops..

[Marygod1234]

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Goldi43192 what a great suggestion and I began to look for a way to share with the troops now serving in Iraq (or anywhere) and I came across this website:

Soldiers' Angels - Home

Soldiers' Angels was started by a self-described ordinary mother of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn. Brandon was deployed in Iraq and has since honorably completed his mission and has returned back to his proud and loving family.

In the summer of 2003, he wrote home expressing his concern that some soldiers did not receive any mail or support from home. Being a caring and loving mother, she decided not to allow a situation like that to continue. She contacted a few friends and extended family to ask if they would write to a soldier or two. Within a few short months, Soldiers' Angels went from a mother writing a few extra letters to an Internet Community with thousands of angels worldwide.
Go to the website to read more about the mother and her son.

There is a section to Adopt A Soldier:

Soldiers' Angels - Adopt a Soldier
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I signed up and can't wait to find out who is my newly adopted son or daughter!
Doing a : !

[CHERYL S]

Another one that I personally use every week that I can is AnySoldier.com What they ask for (especially the girls) will break your heart.

[NJMom]

Bumping this for the holidays.

[kimmyann123]

Hi girls...I posted awhile ago about sending things to Iraq. My nephew Shawn is in the Marines, and was just deployed in the middle of October. I have went to anysoldier.com and viewed the things these soldiers need, and I think it's a great idea to start sending freebies we have. Shawn loves them all, and says they are handy and he needs them. Anyone that can afford to send packages, please do. The girls DESPERATELY need hygienics, such as tampons and pads, and the boys request deoderant and things like that. Everyone wants hand sanitizer, foot powder, lotion, nose drops, and the like. Please reach out. I am trying to organize something major, so if anyone wants to help, please PM me. Thanks!

[baker110182]

This is a very kind think you all are doing and my husband and I would like to thank you all from the bottom of our heart! We both are now veterans or the US Navy, I served 5 years and my husband served 13. These care packages really mean alot to everyone over there. Thanks so much

[justfluffyme]

This is a great thread. AFC has recently started a new forum, hope ya'll will check it out

[schatz]

I am waiting to adopt a soldier at soldiers angels I hope it gets approved.

[tutt26]

I am on the PTA board at my daughters school. We are having military apreciation right now. All the kids are making Christmas cards and bringing in items for the military personnel that is stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last year we sent 16 flat rate boxes to our soldiers. We are hoping to get at least 20 this year! Its amazing to see how involved these children get. It warms your heart.