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What to send in Soldier's Care Packages:

Background Image used: U.S. Private second class Michael Roleson strokes a stray dog while on duty, early morning, in the centre of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, February 17, 2004. REUTERS/Kimimasa Mayama

Hygiene: (small, easy to carry, disposable, anti-bacterial.) Be SURE to use zip-lock bags when packing anything that may leak!)

Baby wipes, Antibacterial wipes, Most anything you would normally find in your own home bathrooms and your over the sink cabinets. However, do not send aerosol cans (they can explode during shipping due to heat)  instead send powders and creamed versions of those items. Baby wipes & Charmin Toilet paper (big requests) anti-fungal creams, insect repellent creams. Liquid soap, Deodorant, Shampoo, Tooth brushes, Q-Tips, Sun block, Tooth Paste.

Fun In The Sun: (Small and lightweight, uses AA batteries)

Beanie Babies & small stuffed toys, (Soldiers give them to the kids) DVD's & Music CD's, Crosswords Puzzles, Comic books, paperback books, Sports equipment, GameBoys & the games. (ask kids!) Handheld electronic games. Magazines (Maxim, Men's Health)

Packaged foods: (Easy to open & easy to eat)

Breakfast type food & drinks, Instant foods, Canned & packaged foods with flip up lids, Canned fruits, Beef Jerky/Slim Jims (big requests!) canned chips, cereal & breakfast bars, instant oatmeal, powdered drink mixes (kool-aid, gatorade) Gum, Cheetoes, Cheeze it party mix, cookies, candies, Snack type foods (a big request, but nothing that will melt) Altho' M&M's travel well

  • Due to health concerns & safety of the soldiers, do not send anything home-cooked, Only store packaged items. Soldiers are informed to throw away anything not factory packaged, unless it is from their own family.

Requested Items: (small and light weight)
AAA batteries, disposable cameras, Music CD's, DVD's (anything recent!), writing supplies & stationary, phone cards (ATT are best), uniform starch, smokeless tobacco, blank thank-you cards.

T-Shirts & Socks:

Large & X-large T-shirts, Solid white crew Socks.

Supporting a K9 Unit's: (4-8 dogs & their handlers)

Oatmeal Shampoo, Dog treats, Pedigree Jumbones, 4" rubber balls, Kongs, Frisbees, Tug-Toys, eye and ear care products, cooling mats and cooling collars. **Do not send bags of dog food - the K9's are on special diets supplied by the Military.

Cooling Mats: www.kvvet.com 

Cooling Collars: www.dogcooler.coolerbars.com

For the Handlers: use same care pack list as above.

Note: Use your imagination when sending your packs: These men & women appreciate your support & letters. Please continue to show your support even if you do not get a reply, they are busy folks with at least 12 hour work days, and they DO appreciate your support but their time to write may be a bit limited and I am sure focuses on contact with their family & friends first. I can assure you they appreciate all you do to support them and they do send along their thanks when they can.
Thank you for your Support!!