Engaging events, large and small, will inspire your team to give back. Here are some more ideas: Additionally, some fun entertainment may be a good idea, especially if you have extra room in the flat-rate package. So, if youre unsure what to include and dont have feedback from the service member you are supporting, check out the list of items below and make a care package that will definitely be appreciated! You enjoy them and we'll have some when I'm back." They've kept military members occupied for decades, and for good reason. Sending some DVDs will be sure to work with the equipment. Dude Wipes are FAR better. They're seriously the best coffee we've ever had, and perfect for anyone with a cup and hot water. But everyone loves to get mail! We like this Jumbo book, since it has a variety of puzzles and won't get too old. Soldiers' Angels has teams of Angels who provide support to military families. My Story: The Best Way To Know What To Send, Addressing a Military Care Package Online. Many of our service members will serve in hot, sunny environments, so make sure their skin is protected. When choosing what to send, keep in mind possible delays as well as any climate extremes the package may be subjected to. Candy and gum. 2021 Hero Care Packages. Help us reach our goal of collecting 2,022 blankets for deployed service members and hospitalized veterans! Another option for off time: travel sized games. As accurate as we may have been, we'd lose baseballs over the side as the ship rocked back and forth. And from then on out, each military care package I got had a couple of beat-up baseballs in it. These are more "nuts and bolts" type things, so skim it now, but flag it to come back later once you need the information: What do you think? ), Journals (Pilot Precise is often requested). Disposable hand warmers. Always send something that can be consumed in one sitting. My grandfather even sent a whole box with just baseballs and a simple note: "Hope this helps." You know you want to send some love to a service member deployed overseas But What do you send? It's a common question: after all, most of us have never been in deployed, so it's hard to come up with military care package ideas, and even harder to know what to put in a care package. Veteran Food Distribution events provide up to two weeks of groceries to veterans in need. Many service members pass the time by working out and focusing on their fitness. Here are some of the fun and creative ways the Soldiers Angels Angel volunteers decorate their care packages: Want to join Soldiers Angels and adopt a service member to send care packages to? There are hundreds of benefits you may be eligible for as a veteran, retiree, or spouse. Popcorn is great, or send an assortment of smaller sized chip bags for a little variety. Your privacy matters. The best things to send are items that are already prepared or that will enhance their MREs. There may be items you cannot send, depending on where your service member is located. The climate heats up rapidly between winter and spring and the temperature inside mail storage facilities may rise to over 120 degrees. While the military provides sunscreen, some service members don't like it's thick, chalky texture, and so they'll skip it. Should You Invest in the TSP Mutual Fund Window? The Pentagon has deployed some 12,000 troops to NATO member nations within spitting distance of Ukraine. Be sure you have the unit name, including the battalion, ship, squadron, platoon, etc., with the nine-digit ZIP code, if one is assigned. Copyright 2022 Military.com. You never know when a headache or stomach ache will strike, and your loved one will be grateful to have travel sized medicine readily available. Dont send perishables to warm climates during spring or summer. What Are Your VA Benefits? They're also a great alternative to unhealthy soft drinks, and are good to add in some flavor to everyday drinking water. But depending on where your service member is, more time may pass before the package is in his or her hands. Sending some protein and encouragement, as, If you're out of ideas or your creative well feels a little dry, consider sending a box full of items that are all the same color. Gum and other types of candy may soften and become gooey, so send these in plastic zipper-lock bags. If you do send large bags or containers, include small zipper-lock bags so your service member can pack smaller amounts of snacks to carry. It's cheap, but really high quality and useful on deployment. It doesn't matter if the magazines are older issues. Phone: 210-629-0020 But theMonopoly Deal card game, which is a 15-minute version of Monopoly, is hands down the most fun game we've played. I remember tearfully offering it to my father as he left--the only thing a little boy could think to give his Dad. Whether you're looking for ideas of what to include, ideas for fun themes for your care package, or ideas on how to send the care package on the cheap, we have you covered. Soldiers' Angels offers many ways for you to make a difference in the lives of our military service people and their families. (Tip: if you are sending anything liquid, be sure to seal that item in a ziplock bag and protect it from breaking with wrapping/bubble wrap. When possible, get tablets or pills, as liquids have a tendency to spill. DVDs are often a great source of relaxation. #11:Writing Material And don't forget their favorite candies! Portable media player, handheld electronic games. Number your packages and letters. If you're sending a battery-operated device, remove the batteries so the appliance doesn't accidentally turn on during shipment. VA Secretary Denis McDonough said he would consult the future under secretary for health on how to handle the rising cost of Big changes are coming to the TSP. Send a bottle of sunscreen they won't mind putting on- we like theNeutrogena Brand (for both men and women!) When writing a letter, keep in mind that It doesn't have to be Shakespeare, but it should come from the heart. It was like a treasure trove for a young sailor who just wanted a bit of normalcy on those long deployments. Birthday hat It doesn't get any better than this plush birthday hat masterpiece! Time in the outside world tends to stop on deployment, so most service members won't know the difference or care, since either way, the information will be new. No matter the branch, service members are on their feet almost all day. We make it easy with this list. Anything to bring just a little bit of normalcy home to your Hero will move mountains. While not the most exciting gift, it's definitely one of the most appreciated. Batteries. list of packages below. Write out the complete address. Read recent posts on our blog. Lets help them kick-back and enjoy some R&R by sending some of these entertainment/recreational items: Again, needs will be different based on where the service member is located and their accessibility to basic items but these are items that are requested from us frequently: Are you ready to become an Angel and support our heroes with care packages? Look for small, hard containers of chips, pretzels and nuts. Balloons Finding Mandee has ideas on how to include balloons, but you could start by only blowing them up enough to fit in the box. But for every baseball I got, I also loved the things that came along with it. This article is already getting too long, so we'll give you links to some other great articles we have to help you through the process. Take things to the next level by throwing in. I put the word out to my family: send old baseballs in the next care package. Other great options are This is the one we suggest for our female service members. What Benefits Are You Eligible For As A Spouse of A Disabled Veteran? We recommend the complete series of The Office. It's great for re-watching over and over, and unlike some other TV shows, if the service member misses an episode or two, they can jump right back in. Make sure you check holiday cut-off dates. Depending on their location it could be anywhere from 10 days to two weeks. It's great for re-watching over and over, and unlike some other TV shows, if the service member misses an episode or two, they can jump right back in. And from then on out, each military care package I got had a couple of beat-up baseballs in it. Dr. Scholl's massaging gel work insoles- it helps to relieve tired, aching feet and joints. Quick protein. I give you: the only care package guide you'll ever need, written by the founder of the company who specializes in military care packages. They're both understated, well constructed, and sturdy. Here are some things to send: Who doesnt like seeing images of our heroes enjoying some much-deserved downtime playing games or having fun? In every care package, be sure to include a personal note or other special reminders of home. That's why variety is key. If your service member has the big screen blues, send them a movie-themed box or a box themed after their favorite movie! National Guard Members Returned from Overseas this Winter. If you find your service member needs essentials, choose small, travel-size containers of personal care products, and avoid aerosol cans. Knowing what to send is the hardest part about sending a care package. Gatorade powder, for example (see #7) is best given in single-serve packets. Sending care packages is a great way to show our deployed military heroes that we are thinking of them. If so, comment below! If you have a local coffee shop, sending that coffee is a game-changer. Snacks. If you choose to buy one of these products for your Hero, if you use our link, you'll pay the same price, but we get a small commission, which helps us to keep bringing you great content! But if I learned one thing from the service, it's that you should listen to your service member! The only military care package company trusted to supply the official Military Exchange. Send paper, envelopes, and pens. Crossword puzzles, word searches, jigsaw puzzles. We think it's important to give you the tools to build out a great care package on your own. Oh! They're portable, there are endless games to play, are an excellent way to pass the time, and a great group activity. Consider this post your one-stop shop for military care package ideas. My grandfather even sent a whole box with just baseballs and a simple note: "Hope this helps." Writing material is always a great thing to send, especially if your service member wants to write letters home. Snacks are always a big hit! What to Send In a Deployment Care Package, Benefits for Spouse of a Military Retiree. Sending some protein and encouragement, as Lexi Abbott did, will be sure to lift your service member's spirits while they're lifting weights. But if I learned one thing from the service, it's that you should listen to your service member! DVDs are often a great source of relaxation. This event relies on monthly volunteers to help distribute the food. When I was in the Navy, I used to play catch on our flight deck on Sunday afternoons. because it's clear, non greasy, and absorbs quickly. Condiments are great to enhance meals or, Jennifer Lacroix designed this crafty Superbowl-themed care package so her husband could throw an awesome party even on deployment! It wasnt the package that made it amazing. For instance, a "Box of Sunshine" package could have food, hygiene products, and games that all have yellow packaging (, One of those things you don't think about at first but really miss during deployments are nights out at the movies. Our favorite board game was, Many of our service members will serve in hot, sunny environments, so make sure their skin is protected. 2895 NE Loop 410, Suite 107 That lesson was proved time and time again when I was in the service: smaller is better, no matter what. In some cases with our Special Operations Forces Units all they have are MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)!! Even if board games, they come organized so it is easy to keep track of all the pieces. It's a little bit of their home routine in a bottle! Check with your Key Volunteer, Ombudsman or command family support group point of contact for details on further restrictions. Time in the outside world tends to stop on deployment, so most service members won't know the difference or care, since either way, the information will be new. Heroes can never have too many travel sized portions of their favorite shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, or lip balm. Games. Some may take longer to arrive. Service members like to carry snacks on them which means smaller, individually wrapped snacks are ideal. #2: For the service member who loves to work out. It's the little things that matter, and adding a note to your next military care package is the most important thing you can do. Donate or collect much-needed care package items to support service members deployed to combat zones. Not only that, but they fit in cargo pockets, letting the service members take them wherever they go. We all remember that it was the first thing you saw when you woke up in the morning and the last thing you saw before you went to sleep. We also love our featured item here, theCopper Cow coffees. Including portable snacks is also a good idea. If you really want something great, we recommend the Amazon Kindle, loaded with a few books. Also, fingerless gloves, stocking caps and long underwear are good ideas. We like these charcoal bags because they are discreet, work continuously, and absorb odors, even in close quarters. You dont want a bottle of hot sauce to break and ruin everything in your box!) The Sunday comics from your local newspaper. It was nice to think about something other than work." Read to learn about the changes and see how they might TSP was created as a retirement savings plan available to federal employees and military service members. Maybe even self-adressed stamped envelopes so youre guaranteed to get something back. Since she couldn't mail real, It's no secret that there isn't a ton of stuff to do while deployed. As we always say, smaller individual servings are always best! We've seen a ton of care package ideas out there, but have found (sadly) that most don't cater to what those of us in the military really wanted. Much better to get one Kindle and allow the service member to add books when they get the wifi connection. Paperback books, current magazines and comic books. Two of our team members remembered Cranium as their top game on deployment, so it gets our #1 nod. While not the most exciting gift, it's definitely one of the most appreciated. Are you aware of what they are? To keep liquids from spilling, cover the opening of the container with plastic wrap, then recap before shipping. When I was in the Navy, I used to play catch on our flight deck on Sunday afternoons. It has its own filter built in for an easy pour-over experience on the go--just what a military member needs! Extra credit if you include some in your care package to give your hero a little taste of home. Admittedly, these only work for about half of the year, but they're so great for those time periods that we included them on this list. Our Tax ID# is 20-0583415. It's usually a necessary break from the stressful times. It was like a treasure trove for a young sailor who just wanted a bit of normalcy on those long deployments. So, what does every birthday need? It will melt in the heat. Before putting together your service member's care package, find out what they want, and check to see if there are restrictions on what you can send. mixed nuts can get the job done, too. Love You More Than the Night Sky (all black), I Can't Expresso How Much I Love/Miss You (all brown with lots of coffee-inspired items!). With that in mind, remember that your snacks need to be non-perishable or otherwise vacuum sealed/packed in a way that will sustain a long mailing period. #1: For the service member who lives and breathes sports. And, if you need something to fill in some space, send over a fitness magazine. Prevent possible spills. Candles You could try to send regular candles, but they run the risk of melting en route. Dont forget, one of the most impactful elements about a care package is the package itself. Start with classic birthday party staples and fill in with favorite snacks! Use reusable packing material. The Top Three VA Loan Myths that Keep Service Members from Using Their Benefit, 5 Ways to Uncover the Secrets of Your Next Duty Station. Energy bars, tuna fish, sardines, non-perishable beef jerky or beef summer sausage. We know how important that personal touch is to service members, and we want to reinforce that connection as much as possible. One of those things you don't think about at first but really miss during deployments are nights out at the movies. "I used to read through a couple of Sports Illustrated issues in my bunk every night," one Marine told us at Hero Care Packages. Definitely good sports (and good care packaging) all around! There is often an area for communal board games, where service members share things they bring with them or get on deployment, so it's a gift that will keep giving to the entire unit. Body wipes are a popular request for military care packages, particularly for our heroes that serve in a desert environment. If your service member has the big screen blues, send them a movie-themed box or a box themed after their favorite movie! Chewing gum was often the only thing that kept us awake on those long 2 am watch shifts. Extra credit: if you know your hero's favorite facial moisturizer (especially if they have sensitive skin),send that along, too. Our annual collection campaigns offer a fun way volunteers of all ages can participate. Plus, television series lend themselves to re-watching. If you're vague and honest, you'll be fine! Photographs, drawings, and DVDs of your activities at home will be comforting to your service member. Spouses of disabled veterans are eligible for many benefits, but getting them can be difficult. Reading material is another great idea for solitary downtime. As you are gathering your items dont forget to decorate the inside of the box! Puzzle books also tend to be inexpensive, so throw a few in! Knowing what to send is the hardest part about sending a care package. Get your company involved in giving back to the military and veteran community! Over the moon!! Writing material doesn't have to be limited to just letters, though. They're versatile and the small size is perfect for service members to use when they're looking to spice up their meal. Our service members have salt, pepper, ketchup and mustard in their mess halls, but eating the same types of food in the mess can frequently get old. Here are five care package themes with ideas on what to include. Extra credit: if you know your hero's favorite facial moisturizer (especially if they have sensitive skin),send that along, too. ), Small, hard containers of snacks (such as nuts), Glass cleaner or lens cleaning cloths (for cleaning sand off their glasses), DVDs (check with your service member if they have a player first! Service members can never have too many decks of cards, since individual cards have a habit of running off, requiring frequent deck replacement. Learn about our Privacy Policy. Avoid chocolate if your service member is in a warm climate. Reading material. Our deployed service members all face unique challenges depending on their location, which may affect the specific items a service member would request if asked. They help keep you fresh when a shower isn't ready available, which happens across all services, especially for soldiers and marines. Your service member will undoubtedly appreciate anything you send, but some things are particularly useful -- and some items can't be sent at all. (Check out this Pinterest picture for inspiration!). It doesn't matter if the magazines are older issues. Soldiers' Angels volunteers work within VA Hospitals across the country to provide comfort and resources to veteran patients. "We used to microwave popcorn during our movie nights, so my grandmother sent me a whole box just of extra butter popcorn," remembers one airman. Goggle-style sunglasses. Send these during the winter if your service member is in a cold climate. Even if board games, they come organized so it is easy to keep track of all the pieces. While any care package is appreciated, there is something extra special about opening a box to decorations or an amusing theme. Include some really useful items from the list below, but then also decorate the box to make it colorful! Send your loved one some of their favorite magazines, books, or even a copy of the local newspaper. as the pun behind the theme. Register to volunteer today! For some solitary down time, check out puzzle books, like crossword puzzles or sudoku. Keep in mind that it does take a long time for care packages to reach your service member. Foot care. You could also include small but practical items to help them reach their fitness goals resistance bands, sweat-wicking clothes, and cream or spray to ward off chafing and blisters. And the cost of books to send starts to add up. Second, every snack is packaged in single-servings. Make sure the meat is labeled USDA Beef. And many service members have a good amount of down time. Receiving a care package from home can be a real morale booster for a deployed service member. It's best to limit your care packages to the size of a shoebox. Beef and turkey jerky is great, but These restrictions may change as the unit changes location. Space saving is always a must, and having all of your books electronically is a great option. If you really want something great, we recommend the, Our service members have salt, pepper, ketchup and mustard in their mess halls, but eating the same types of food in the mess can frequently get old. "I used to read through a couple of Sports Illustrated issues in my bunk every night," one Marine told us at Hero Care Packages. Nights in the desert, nights at sea, and duty stations in cold climates leave many service members exposed to cold temperatures. During warmer months, sweetened drink mixes such as lemonade and iced tea will be welcome. I still remember my Dad smiling and saying, "Sorry son, but I don't think I'll have space for that in the barracks. Our tried and tested favorite is Toss a few single packs into each military care packages. Know what you need? The best ones to send along are Even a picture of Uncle John's new house will help service members feel like they're in the loop. Our service members work hard, and a source of quick, high quality protein is always great to help keep them going. We came up with this list all by ourselves! Soldiers Angels is a national 501(c)3 charity, gifts to which are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Better to send smaller, more premium items. It's a nice break from the hectic world they live in, and helps them to process the day and clear their heads. Advil,Pepto Bismol, and even a pain relieving topical ointment likeIcyHot (we like it in stick form linked here, since it's quicker and less messy). Include some "quick protein" in your next care package. Through a wide range of programs and services, Soldiers' Angels provides support throughout the military experience. Learn how craft breweries of all sizes can brew their support for troops and veterans. Toss a pack into every few care packages. Salty snacks are good for those deployed in the desert, especially in the summer months, because they will encourage your service member to drink more water. If you are sending mail for the holidays, check for the shipping deadlines issued each year by the USPS so you can make sure your package gets there on time. The best ones to send along are, Surprisingly, DVDs are still at a premium on deployment. Most service members can't stream Netflix, so they're stuck with old-school DVDs. Include some "quick protein" in your next care package. My experience shows just how important it is to think about the recipient. It may not seem that exciting to you, but they really appreciate receiving personal care items downrange! If you have a local baseball team, send a game program. Know the timeline. Some people dream of a perfect home they can live in forever, but any home can be your "perfect home". Treats for Troops, Warm Feet for Warriors, Holiday Stockings for Heroes, and more! Our #1 pick was almost as easy as our #2 pick. A letter from home is something that has sustained soldiers at the front for hundreds of years, and its importance is still felt today. Usually, people send baby wipes, but these, Another option for off time: travel sized games. Electronics. Weve come a long way since the beginning of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the early 2000s, and most service members deployed dont need anything. There are all kinds of drink mixes out there- powdered hot cocoa mixes,juice mixes, and coffee. Register For Support Now. Your service member will appreciate anything that can be mixed with water. Phone cards. However, no matter what those individual differences may be, there are some products that will always be a hit. "We had card night every Tuesday night," one soldier told us of his bunkmates. Surprisingly, DVDs are still at a premium on deployment. For women, we love theBurt's Bees Travel Kit. Soldiers' Angels hosts monthly food distributions providing food assistance to low-income, at-risk, and homeless veterans in six cities across the country. Whatever you think your loved one may want, make sure you pick some that are packaged in individual serving sizes, not a big bucket We are a big fan of Gatorade powdered mixes- they're perfect for hot climates and for the Hero hard at work- they re hydrate and replenish electrolytes. Hand warmers are air activated and can help keep feet and hands warm, and they'll last through an entire shift. It's harder to store a tub, it goes bad faster, and it's impossible to slip into a pocket. Well, it did, and I still remember that care package all these years later. What's new with Soldiers' Angels? 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Beverage flavors like Gatorade or Propel powders will feel reminiscent of home and game day. Priority mail packages typically take about 10 to 14 days to reach their country of destination. It's a little bit of their home routine in a bottle! Shop around to get the best deal on overseas minutes. Banner Incorporate a mini banner on the flaps or across the top once you've packed everything else! Nights in the desert, nights at sea, and duty stations in cold climates leave many service members exposed to cold temperatures. Gum and candy is also a great alternative to some of those less healthy habits, like smoking or chewing tobacco. Let's come together to let deployed service members know we're thinking of them! Foam footballs and basketballs, Frisbees, Hacky Sacks, playing cards, yo-yos. Our Veteran Support Program assists veterans through a variety of different programs, including providing assistance at VA Hospitals across the country. "I ate so much beef jerky while deployed, but it helped when I was starving between meals," one Marine told us. Find out what their favorite pre or post-workout drink is and include it with some protein bars. We Tell You What They Are And How To Get Them, An Army Spouse Is Taking on the Military's Vast Child-Care Deserts, HIV Status Will No Longer Automatically Disqualify Troops from Deployment, Retention. Keep the weather in mind. And remember: you cannot ship lithium-ion batteries. Anything that can be mixed with MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), such as ramen noodles, seasoned salt, individual packets of hot sauce, mustard, relish and ketchup. You know you want to send some love to a soldier overseas The hard part is What do you send?, May no soldier go unloved May no soldier walk alone May no soldier be forgotten Until they all come home. Your service member will appreciate these if he or she is deployed in the desert. I remember my Dad deploying when I was a little kid, and I'd just gotten a giant bucket of sunflower seeds as a gift; it was bigger than a suitcase. Join us as we video interview members of the military community. Cake use a microwaveable dessert instead of sending an actual cake or cake mix.
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