It's also generally best to avoid combining toiletries with food items; many deployed soldiers report that this can make the food taste like deodorant, shaving cream or soap. To avoid potential hold-ups, try to limit your care package to the size of a shoebox. Use a sturdy cardboard box and seal all openings with clear packing tape.
- High-quality socks (I have to put this first, because some high-quality socks will make the toughest soldier smile with delight)
- Soap (shampoo, body wash, face wash, etc.)
- Toothpaste, toothbrush and floss.
- Deodorant (travel size/non-aerosol)
- Lip balm.
- Foot powder.
- Baby wipes.
- Sunscreen.
How do you ship care packages to deployed service members?
We rely on the support of donors and sponsors which means as soon as someone "adopts" or donates a care package, we put it together and get it in the mail. All care packages to deployed service members qualify as military mail and are shipped by the United States Postal Service.
What should I put in my care package for military families?
Including portable snacks is also a good idea. Service members like to carry snacks on them— which means smaller, individually wrapped snacks are ideal. You could also include ziplock bags in your care package so they can portion their own snacks. Snack bars (granola bars, protein bars, breakfast bars, etc.)
What is support our troops ® care packages?
Support Our Troops ® Care Packages enhance the morale and well-being of the deployed troops worldwide by seeking, receiving, and shipping care boxes containing items specifically requested by them. This is especially important outside the established holidays. Troops, use the Contact form to request Care Packages.
Why send a care package to a deployed military hero?
Sending care packages is a great way to show our deployed military heroes that we are thinking of them. As you are gathering your items – don’t forget to decorate the inside of the box! This is a great way to add a personal touch and make your care package truly unforgettable!
What do you put in a care package to a deployed soldier?
Necessities, such as sunblock, socks, underwear, flip-flops, lip balm and powder. Snacks, including chips, salsa, nuts, cookies, beef jerky, non-melting candy and trail mix in packaging that isn't easily crushed. Drink mixes in single-serving packets are also a good addition.
How do I send a care package to deployed?
Sending a care package to someone who's deployed can give them a much-needed boost. It's also a great way for you to stay connected to your friend or loved one....Things to Consider2 Priority Mail APO/FPO/DPO Flat-Rate boxes.2 Priority Mail Medium Flat-Rate boxes.Priority Mail tape and address labels.Customs forms.
What can you not send in a military care package?
What to Send and What Not to Send in a Care PackageAlcohol.Carbonated Beverages.Drugs.Cigarettes or Nicotine.Explosives or Fireworks.Flammable items, like lighter fluid.Pornographic images.Pork products (not allowed in Muslim countries)More items...
How do you send a package to deployed soldiers?
You can ship care packages to military addresses at domestic prices, even if you're sending mail overseas. USPS® provides free military shipping kits, help with customs forms, military address tips, shipping restriction lists by country, and free package pickup when your shipment is ready to go.
How much does it cost to send military care packages?
The military care kit from the United States Post Office is FREE. Zero dollars! And yes, while you can pick up flat rate boxes at your local post office for free, the USPS military kit has everything you need and is conveniently shipped to your house.
What should be included in a care package?
Care package ideas:Stress ball or fidget spinner.Coffee (or a gift card to a coffee shop)Water bottle.Healthy snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, mixed nuts or trail mix.Study supplies like notecards, highlighters, colored pens and sticky notes.Candy and chocolate.Chewing gum.Stress relief candle.More items...•
What are good deployment gifts?
Favorite Deployment Care Package Food & Snack Itemshot sauce.flavored salt or seasonings.a favorite drink mix, like Nuun.beef jerky or turkey jerky.ketchup and mustard.chips, pretzels or other snack items.protein bars.protein powders.
How big can a military care package be?
108 inchesPackages cannot be larger than 108 inches in total circumference (total width all the way around plus total length all the way around), but your service member's unit may have its own restrictions on the weight and size of packages. These restrictions may change as the unit changes location.
What Cannot be shipped to an APO address?
Packages sent by Military Mail must be less than 70 pounds and cannot include perishables, alcohol, firearms or explosive materials.
How much does it cost to ship a package?
Compare Mail ServicesServiceStarting PricePriority Mail®$8.70 (at Post Office & Online) $7.37 (Commercial)6First-Class Mail®$0.60 (at Post Office & Online) $0.455 (Commercial)6First-Class Package Service®$4.50 (at Post Office) $3.37 (Commercial6)USPS Retail Ground®$8.50 (at Post Office)2 more rows
How much does it cost to ship a package to an APO address?
You only have to provide standard domestic postage on mail going to an APO or FPO addresses. If you pay $0.47 for a stamp to mail something within the continental United States, it only costs $0.47 to mail it overseas as long as you have an APO/FPO/DPO address and associated ZIP code.
How do I send a care package in the mail?
First, you can get the “Military care package kit” for free by calling the USPS at 1-800-610-8734. This kit includes four boxes of different sizes, plus tape and customs forms. You can get as many kits as you need, all free. It will take at least one week for the supplies to get shipped to you.
How do I mail a care package?
Seal up any liquids with waterproof bags, and tape up any open packets to make sure nothing spills out during transit. Pack your shipments tightly and snugly, but don't overpack your boxes or envelopes – you just want to make sure things don't shift around too much before your care package reaches your loved one(s).
How do I send a care package overseas?
Tips for Sending Care Packages to the Military OverseasCheck International and Country Specific Shipping Limitations. ... Seal Everything. ... Secure the Contents. ... Pack it tight but Don't Over Stuff the Boxes. ... Select Sturdy Packaging. ... Secure The Package. ... Provide Accurate Shipping Information. ... Complete the Customs Forms.More items...
How do I send a package to military overseas?
Due to security restrictions, USPS is the only carrier that can deliver mail and packages to APO/FPO/DPO locations. While carriers such as FedEx and UPS offer delivery to countries where military personnel may be stationed, packages from these private carriers cannot be delivered directly to a military base.
The Box
I always use USPS Priority Mail shipping boxes. Why? They’re free and durable. If you choose to use some other type, make sure it’s made of sturdy cardboard and avoid using used boxes. You can also order (for free) a Military Care Kit from USPS. The kit is free, and each box is labelled with the words “America Supports You,” which is cool.
The Box Size
I’ve read over and over that the package should be no larger than a shoe box. I have sent larger and know that they made it, but just use your best judgement here. If you can break up the shipment into a couple more convenient sizes to handle, please do.
Use Heavy Duty Freezer ZipLock bags
The best way to pack individual items like Chapstick, eye-drops or shampoo is to place them in a sturdy ziplock freezer bag. The service member will love this because they will re-use those bags to keep their personal items dry and sand/dirt free.
How to get a free military care package?
Pick up free Priority Mail boxes at your post office. Or call 1-800-610-8734 for a FREE military care package kit. Include a card listing the contents of the care package. Enclose the recipient’s name and your name and everything that’s in the care package on the card.
How to keep things organized in a freezer?
Place items that may spill or leak in heavy plastic zipper-lock bags. Get the gallon freezer bags, they’ll also help to keep things organized.
What can't you send to a friend?
Be aware of what you can’t send. Obscene articles/photos, alcohol, weapons etc.
What is a military care package?
Military care packages deliver a welcome piece of home to your service member while they’re away – whether that’s your child, fiancé, sibling or friend. They help both of you stay connected despite distance or duty. Here are some appropriate ways to send those care packages to your service member throughout their time in the military.
Why do we send care packages to military?
Sending a military care package is a great way to show your appreciation and love for your service member and all they do for our country.
What is the best packaging for military mail?
Use sturdy packaging: The best packaging is a free Military Care Kit from the U.S. Postal Service, which includes priority mail boxes, tape, custom forms and address labels. The packaging is free, but the postage is not.
What is the military onesource number?
For immediate assistance or to access confidential help, call the Military OneSource toll free number at 800-342-9647. You can also contact us if you have any questions. Submit.
How to keep packages from being rejected?
Be careful what you send: Check the post office’s prohibited items list to keep items from being rejected. Remember that sometimes packages from home get opened by someone before your service member, so don’t send anything you don’t want strangers to see. Also, don’t send things that are valuable or can’t be replaced – sometimes packages get lost.
What do recruits need to go to boot camp?
When your recruit first left for basic training, you may have noticed that they only took a few things with them. This is because the military provides everything recruits need during boot camp, from meals and housing to basics like toothbrushes or socks. Duplicates from home are stored and only retrieved after graduation.
How long does it take for a USPS care package to arrive in the Middle East?
Consider shipping time: Most care packages can make it to the Middle East in about two weeks, but some take longer.
Why do soldiers send care packages?
Sending care packages is a great way to show our deployed military heroes that we are thinking of them. As you are gathering your items – don’t forget to decorate the inside of the box! This is a great way to add a personal touch and make your care package truly unforgettable! Here are some of the fun and creative ways the Soldiers’ Angels “Angel” volunteers decorate their care packages:
How long does it take for a care package to arrive?
Keep in mind that it does take a long time for care packages to reach your service member. Depending on their location it could be anywhere from 10 days to two weeks. 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.
What is the most impactful element of a care package?
Don’t forget, one of the most impactful elements about a care package is the package itself. Include some really useful items from the list below, but then also decorate the box to make it colorful! This will really blow the care package out of the water for the service member that receives it!
What to send to enhance MREs?
Sending food or drinks is a little trickier. The best things to send are items that are already prepared or that will enhance their MREs. Quick sources of protein are also always appreciated. (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. You don’t want a bottle of hot sauce to break and ruin everything in your box!) Here are some ideas:
Can you put snacks in a care package?
Including portable snacks is also a good idea. Service members like to carry snacks on them— which means smaller, individually wrapped snacks are ideal. You could also include ziplock bags in your care package so they can portion their own snacks.
Care Packages for Troops
Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc. (The) (GS, Florida Department of State Division of Corporations, http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName)
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What to include in a care package for troops?
Include a printout of a digital picture of your group, school and class, and any notes about why you are sending the care package so the troops can know how much the folks here really love, respect, and appreciate them. We want the troops and their families to know whom, way back here at home, is thinking about them.
What is a support our troops care package?
Support Our Troops ® Care Packages enhance the morale and well-being of the deployed troops worldwide by seeking, receiving, and shipping care boxes containing items specifically requested by them. This is especially important outside the established holidays.
What do you put on a shipping box?
Include your name, address, email address, and phone number in case we need to get hold of you about the shipment. Also, be sure your name, address and phone appear legibly on the outside of the box.
Can you send soap to a sot box?
NOTICE: Sending SOT care goods that aren’t packed right ruins everything in the box. You must double-bag individual liquid and gel items. Soap has to be bagged or it ruins the taste of the food items. Boxes arrive to SOT daily where they have leaked and ruined the other goods. Just imagine what happens in the war zone when they sometimes get dumped out of a hovering chopper.
How long does it take to get a care package from the military?
All care packages to deployed service members qualify as military mail and are shipped by the United States Postal Service. Depending on where you’re deployed, your free care package should take between 2 to 12 weeks to arrive.
How Is Troopster Able to Send Free Care Packages?
In addition to our veteran-owned business, Troopster, we have a non-profit charity, Troopster Donation Corp. As a registered 501 (c) (3) corporation , Troopster Donation Corps uses 100% of its tax-deductible donations to send free care packages to deployed troops that request support from Troopster.
How long does it take for a military care package to arrive?
Depending on where you’re deployed, your free care package should take between 2 to 12 weeks to arrive.
What is a military care kit?
Since Priority Mail supplies are the packaging of choice for families preparing care packages for service members overseas, the Postal Service created a “military care-kit” based on the items most frequently requested by military families.
How many boxes are in the military kit?
The free Military Kit contains all the address labels, customs envelopes and Priority Mail tape you need for the six boxes that come in the kit: 2 APO/FPO flat-rate boxes and 4 medium flat-rate boxes.#N#Guidelines for packing and mailing items to U.S. troops can be found at USPS.com
How long does it take to ship a parcel select ground?
Free shipping supplies from The Postal Store Shipping Supply site are mailed Parcel Select® Ground and are shipped within 2 - 8 business days. For your convenience all orders will contain a carrier release endorsement "Leave if No Response". This will allow your postal carrier to leave your expedited packaging supply order if you are not available to receive the delivery.
How long does it take for a USPS to ship?
The Postal Store® ships all in-stock orders with USPS Tracking™. Please allow 5 - 7 business days for in-stock items to be shipped.
