I heard of a site when I was listening to the radio in my car. This may be very useful. Although I did not check out the site, I did log onto it to make sure it exists before I wrote here. It is called operation shoebox. Here is the www: www.operationshoebox.com
I'm sorry that I didn't get back to you sooner. I hope everyone that wanted to adopt a soldier was able to. I send a little sheet with questions on it for them to fill out and return asking them what items they need or want the most. Snack foodies are a biggie right now. Anything that gives them a little extra boost!
The list that I have has these suggestions:
Deodorant
Pre-sweetened Drink mixes (tang Kool Aid etc.)
Non Medicated Eye drops (sand storms)
Baby Wipes (that is their shower many times)
Waterless hand sanitizer
Toilet paper (I hear it is in big demand)
Lip Balm & Chap Stick
Notepads Pens Pencils, etc.
Envelopes
Blank Cards for mailing home
Intl. calling cards (AT&T)
Lotion (skin is very dry)
Stationary sets
Batteries (AA, AAA, D)
Sunscreen
Disposable cameras
Facial cleaner
Pocket sized games
Band-Aids
Ziploc bags
Condiments from restaurants
Wet Ones
Decks of cards
Word search books / Crossword puzzles
Raisins, trail mix, etc.
Shaving gel/cream
Canned fruit with pop top lid
Toothpaste
Magazines (no nudity)
Toothbrushes
Newspapers
Pop tarts
Saline nose spray
Microwave popcorn (better for sailors)
Little Debbie snacks )check exp. dates)
Shampoo / Conditioner (travel size)
Q-Tips
Snacks (chips, pretzels)
Gold Bond Foot powder
Hard candy / Licorice
Feminine hygiene products
Beef Jerky / Slim Jims (all beef only--no pork)
Kleenex
Bowl Appetite! Dinners
M&M’s
Cough/throat drops
Chewing Gum
Body Wash
Soap
As far as our kids writing letters to our troops, try www.enduringresponse.com
it's through the Red Cross, bulk mailing in a single envelope type of thing.
Something that should be very important to all of us, regardless if you are pro or anti war, we still need to support our troops!
Crystal - if the list isn't too long - could you post it? I think this is a wonderful idea for the kids to keep up with what's going on in the world around them and what people are doing to keep this the greatest, safets place to live.
Though I've never been in a military family before, I know I'll cry before I finish this, but my son who turns 18 this weekend and will graduate from high school in June has signed on and goes to boot camp in August. Though he hasn't gone through boot, they've asked that he report for drills one weekend a month until then so he's "ready to get ready". He has my full support - but the heart of a mom sure doesn't stop beating when the kids are old enough to fly the coop - this is going to be a hard one for me and I know that if he were already away he would absolutely love to hear from folks who supported him and what he was doing. I can't say enough how I think this would be great!
