How to Adopt a Soldier
Deployed U.S. soldiers are of course supported by the U.S. government, however there are many items that are in short supply, or that they do without. Personal hygiene items, clothing, certain foods, and entertainment are among the many things that civilians can help provide to our soldiers. Adopt a Soldier programs help get needed items, and comfort items, to soldiers overseas. The U.S. Department of Defense is not permitted to take donations, so the following is a guide to the simplest way to Adopt a Soldier through a legitimate charity organization.
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Things You'll Need
- Registration with an Adopt a Soldier program
- A PayPal account is useful, or a credit card for online monetary donations
- Shipping materials
- Items to send a soldier
Instructions
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How to Adopt a Soldier
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Find an organization you are comfortable with by asking friends and family which organization they used to adopt a soldier.
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If you do not have a referral, or you want to research other Adopt A Soldier opportunities, refer to the U.S. Department of Justice supported program America Supports You.
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Once you have chosen an organization, check the background and financial information by referring to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Combined Federal Campaign website, the Better Business Bureau, and Charity Navigator.
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The organization you decide to work with will provide you with the name and contact information of a soldier, and will help guide your efforts.
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Decide how much and how often you want to send care packages, or letters. Remember that there are shipping costs as well as delivery times to consider. Be aware of your soldiers return date.
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Tips & Warnings
Send non-perishable items, or those with a long shelf life. Be sure to account for the length of time it takes for packages to be delivered overseas.
In lieu of sending large, costly packages, a simple calling card with a letter would be appropriate and useful.
There are many organizations and companies that are registered on the Internet as Adopt a Solider programs. Just because they are on the Internet does not mean that they are legitimate. Do your research before giving monetary donations to any program.
If sending items, be sure to check out the list of prohibited goods, as there are some items and types of foods that are not allowed in certain countries where soldiers are deployed.
Resources
- Photo Credit From the America Supports You website
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Comments
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This seems well worth the effort.
