Care Packages for Troops

Posted: November 26, 2011 
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tagged: cards, care packages, gifts, legion, letters, military, overseas, servicemembers, support, veterans
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Looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom? You may have a Legion member who is currently serving overseas that you can send care packages to but, if you don’t have a specific name of someone to send to then please use the following information.

In years past, you could wrap up a care package and mail it to “Any Service Member” for the holidays, but with increased mail restrictions, the Pentagon is asking people to help through financial contributions, letter-writing and e-mail, purchasing authorized pre-made care packages, or volunteering time through non-profits.

Below are links to programs that offer aid to our military — everything from care packages to emergency services to military family support. Show your pride in our armed forces today, either by purchasing a gift or card for a servicemember, or donating to programs that support our military.

Cards, Letters, Gifts, and Care Packages

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting “Any Service Member” or “Any Wounded Service Member” letters or packages. Mail to “Any Service Member” that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered. The following charitable organizations help send gifts, cards, and care packages to our troops:

The Billy Blanks Foundation – The Billy Blanks Foundation was founded by the creator of Tae Bo. One of the foundations many projects is sending care packages to U.S. Servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Adopt a Platoon – Support the troops through gifts and sponsored mail.
Any Soldier – Sponsor care packages to servicemembers in Iraq.
Army and Air Force Exchange Services – Purchase gift certificates for active and hospitalized servicemembers.
Blue Star Mothers – Organizes postcards to troops and care packages, and is currently petitioning Congress for reduced air fares for servicemembers.
Books for Soldiers – Donate books, movies, and more.
Cell Phones for Soldiers – Donate your old cell phones, which pay for calling cards for our troops.
Commissary Gift Certificates – Give the gift of groceries — buy or donate gift certificates.
DefendAmerica – Send a virtual thank-you card.
A Million Thanks – Collects emails and letters of appreciation for our armed forces.
Operation Air Conditioner – Help pay for air conditioners and heaters for the troops.
Operaton Dear Abbey – Send greetings and messages of support.
Operation Give – Donate toys to be given to the children of Iraq.
Operation Gratitude – Contribute to care packages sent to our servicemembers.
Operation Homefront Hugs – Contribute to care packages, or adopt a servicemember.
Operation Troop Aid – Provide care packages for our deployed U.S. Servicemembers.
Operation Uplink – Donate a calling card to help keep servicemembers in touch with their families.
Operation USO Care Package – Sponsor a care package for $25.
Treats for Troops – Purchase care packages for Soldiers.

Help with Mailing Packages
Instructions on Sending Mail to Servicemembers – Straight from the U.S. Postal Service, instructions and recommendations on sending individual mail to servicemembers.

Click here for some ideas of things to send in your care packages