One of the most
uplifting things a soldier can get – regardless of where they are or what
they’re doing – is a care package. And, whether it’s from mom and dad, a
pen pal or some caring stranger, it helps us to feel like there’s someone out
there who cares. Most importantly of all, it helps to remind us that we
are doing something important – that our suffering in the hell-holes of the
world means something to somebody, and that makes it all worth it. This
list will help you with ideas for items that would be most appreciated in a
care pack.
Of course,
home-made treats ALWAYS top the list with soldiers ; ) and will be well
mooched by all their buddies, but keep in mind that it may be a MONTH OR
MORE before your packages reach the lucky soldier and pack things
accordingly (cookies usually last very well), sealing them well from bugs.
Helpful Items for a
deployment “Care Pack”:
Entertainment:
Books
Favorite magazines
Stationary
Stamps (in some places mail
in free, in some it's not)
Pocket-size or travel games
(cards, checkers, uno, dominos, etc.)
Photos of loved ones
DVD’s
CD’s (copies okay too!)
Phone cards (if usable)
Computer/Gameboy/Playstation/Etc.
games (if they have a machine with or available to them)
Hand-held games (with
batteries!)
Hygiene:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Deodorant/Antiperspirant
Lotion
Soap
Boot insoles/Odor eaters
Baby Wipes (VERY appreciated
if there's a lack of showers)
Razors/Razor heads
Hair ties
Q-tips
Shaving Lotion (men and women
appreciate!)
Foot powder
Clearasil, etc. (if in a hot
area to help with breakouts)
Baby powder/shower-to-shower
Clothing:
Socks (black and white)
Underwear
Bras (regular and/or sports)
Warm under things (long
underwear, undershirts, etc.)
Plain brown T-shirts (like
issue)
Bright colored t-shirts (if
allowed civilian clothes)
Self-pampering:
Nice smelling/specialty
soaps, lotions, body sprays, cologne
Nail polish
Nail polish remover
Nice pillow cases (flowered
or with bright colors, etc.)
Fragranced body powder
Nice smelling body wash and
loofah/scrunchy
Decorative frame for photo(s)
Cocoa/Cappuccino Mixes
Kool-aid or iced tea mix (the
kind that already has the sugar in it)
Dried fruits, nuts and
wrapped candies
Chips/crackers/cookies
Cigarettes/Chewing tobacco
(for users – IF not available locally)
Foot lotion (mint stuff feels
GREAT after a day on your feet!)
Stuffed animal
Crucifix on a chain
Soft, bright colored towel
Helpful stuff (that’s
often forgotten) and Etc. :
Power cords (correct for
their power source – 120, 220, etc.)
Electrical adapter plugs
Small nailbrush
Computer disks/CD-R/CD-RW (if
they have a computer)
“American” items – flags,
patches, uniform articles, etc. (for trading to/thanking locals in a
foreign country)
Pens/pencils
550 Cord/Twine/Fine rope
(good for a variety of uses)
Black Jiffy marker (for
re-blacking metal buckles, snaps, etc. on gear)
Mole skin/Blister treatments
Shower shoes (flip-flops to
be worn in public showers)
Shoe Polish (if not wearing
Desert Boots)
Saddle Soap (for taking dirt
off boots)
Carmex Lip Balm (good for
lips, splitting cuticles and some injuries too!)
Watch battery
“AA” Batteries for tape
players, CD players, games, etc.
“D” Batteries for military
flashlights
Disposable cameras or spare
film
Glasses repair kit
Small sewing kit with
uniform-colored thread
Small toys/school supplies
for local children (kids often find soldiers & love them)
Clothes pegs (if hand-washing
own clothes)
Laundry detergent (small
packets)
Febreeze odor spray
Air freshener (tents STINK
when they're full of 50 sweaty people :P )
Icy Hot/Ben Gay/other pain
relieving rub
Have fun preparing for your special soldier – and don’t forget to add a nice
long note! Even if you don’t know the soldier, a long note chatting
about “normal” life at home will often be very appreciated! Also,
we sometimes receive cards and drawings by children and they are ALWAYS
treasured belongings that find an important spot on our tent walls or
billboards for all to enjoy.
Thank You for
caring about a soldier enough to read this!! May God Bless You and
Yours.
