How to Create a Memorial Day Care Package for a Soldier

Each Memorial Day, as we honor those who gave their lives for this country, we tend to also think about those in the U.S. Armed Forces who are risking their lives for us today. They continue to thrive on our encouragement and support. What better way to commemorate this holiday than by sending some support to those who continue to fight for our freedom?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide to whom your package will be shipped. Many people have friends or relatives in the armed forces. If you don't know any soldiers but still want to participate, consider checking websites where you can donate care packages to a variety of soldiers currently overseas.
2. Contact your local post office for a full list of guidelines regarding military care packages. They will be able to provide you with a list showing items that cannot be sent overseas.
3. Talk to military families to find out what items soldiers want or need the most. As a military supporter, you will want the assurance that your package is providing as much comfort as possible to the troops overseas.
4. Include items in your package that will enable soldiers to stay in touch with friends and family at home. Think long distance phone cards, stationery and postage stamps.
5. Provide entertainment, as this can be a great creature comfort for those who are far from home. Soldiers are always happy to get the latest movies on DVD as well as video games for various consoles.
6. Include a variety of non-perishable snacks in your package. Powdered drink mixes, beef jerky, ramen noodles, microwavable popcorn and snack mixes are all good suggestions. Just make sure that you do not include things that will crumble or melt easily, as some packages spend a bit of time in transit before reaching their destinations.
7. Add a personal Memorial Day card to your package. Even if the package reaches the soldier after the holiday, the card will be a reminder of what motivated you to think of them and send them some love. Be sure to thank them for continuing the struggle.
8. Be sure to have a specific APO address in hand when you ship your package, as the postal service will not ship your items otherwise.