How to Make a Military Care Package

A great way to support American soldiers, especially during the holidays, is to send a military care package. A care package containing much-needed supplies, highly prized treats and mementos from home is the perfect way to support the troops, whether you have a loved one overseas or wish to convey your appreciation to an anonymous soldier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Get a free kit from the United States Post Office. Kits include envelopes, tape, boxes and other items necessary to assemble a military care package. Visit a local USPS branch, call 1-800-610-8734 or check out their official website for more information.
2. Have a specific address. In the interest of national security, the Department of Defense no longer allows delivery of packages or letters addressed to "any soldier." Obtain your loved one's mailing information or work through a non-profit to obtain an address designated for sending military care packages. Many non-profit organizations partner with the military to facilitate the assembly and delivery of packages to soldiers.
3. Avoid sending prohibited items. It is unlawful to send obscene or pornographic material, liquor, cigarettes and any items illegal in the United States to soldiers. You cannot send anti-Islamic religious material or pork products to soldiers serving in the Middle East. Other prohibited items include products that can melt, pressurized or aerosol cans, and live plants and animals.
4. Send frequently requested items. Soldiers particularly enjoy holiday decorations, disposable cameras, personal hygiene items, prepaid phone cards, baby wipes, playing cards, AA batteries, energy bars (Hooah brand) and gum. Troops also appreciate small stuffed animals like Beanie Babies and teddy bears, which they give to Iraqi, Kuwaiti and Afghani children.
5. Include personal correspondence. Handwritten letters mean a lot to troops, even if they're from a stranger. If you want to keep in touch with the soldier who receives your care package, include a return address and invite him to write back.
6. Follow guidelines for properly addressing military care packages. Print the soldier's full name, Army or Fleet Post Office (APO/FPO) address and the sender's return address on one side of the box. Use the proper customs form provided by the postal service.
7. Include personal items like photographs, children's drawings and homemade baked goods if sending a care package to a loved one. If sending an anonymous package, include recent sports magazines or national newspapers.

Tips & Warnings

• People frequently send impractical items, like hand sanitizing gel which mixes with sand to create mud; flashlights that soldiers are prohibited from using; and canned goods without a can opener.
• If you're sending a care package through a non-profit, remember female soldiers. Women particularly appreciate feminine hygiene products and specially designed razors for leg and underarm shaving.
• Only send baked goods to soldiers you know. Soldiers must discard homemade goods sent by strangers.
• Send holiday care packages by mid November to ensure timely delivery.
• Avoid scams. Thoroughly research an organization before giving personal or financial information to purchase a military care package.