How to Send Letters, Books and Care Packages to Soldiers Overseas

There are thousands of soldiers overseas whose day we could brighten with a small token such as a letter, old book or CDs. Due to security restrictions, we can no longer mail or send a package addressed to “Any Soldier” or “Any Wounded Soldier”. However, we can still show our love, adoration and appreciation by going through viable organizations or simply by sending an email. Read here to find out how to send letters, books and care packages to soldiers overseas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with internet access
• Items or money to contribute

1. Go to Anysoldier.com and send a soldier one of the items requested.
   
   Anysoldier.com is a program started by Sgt. Brian Horn of the 173rd Airborne Brigade when he was stationed in Iraq. He wanted to care for the soldiers under him and decided to distribute packages sent to him to “Attn: Any Soldier” to make sure the soldiers ho weren’t receiving anything from home got mail. On the website, you can find choose the military unit to contribute items to and you will learn “what to send” and “how to send it”. This option lets you know that the care package you contribute is something they want and can use. All items go directly to the military unit of your choosing. See resource section for link.

2. Go to Military.com and find an organization near you.
   
   Military.com is a website that lists various organizations that provide items to soldiers from the public sector. Some organizations include: Adopt a Platoon, Billy Blanks Foundation, and America Supports You. There are more than 300 organizations providing support to the soldiers overseas. This site helps you send letters, books and other care packages to troops overseas.

3. Send Letters or Emails to the troops.
   
   Go to “A Million Thanks.org” and send a letter to a soldier. Certain guidelines apply so it is important that you review the guidelines before writing and sending a letter.

4. Send a Package
   
   Go to “Treats for Troops” and purchase a pre-made care package and send to soldiers.

5. Give without spending a cent.
   
   Send an email to the troops. It doesn’t cost you anymore than you would pay to email a friend that you know, but it will mean the world to that soldier. Just a few minutes of your time to put a smile on somebody’s face. Priceless.

Tips & Warnings

• According to Military.com’s website, “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.”
• Before contributing monies, be sure to ask how groups are specifically helping military members and their families, and to ask how the money they raise is being used. Make sure your support reaches the people you want to help.

Resources

• AnySoldier.com
• America Supports You
• How to Get A Copy of Military Service Records

[luv2blog]

on 7/26/2009 There is no way we could ever repay our soldiers for what they do for us. A simple email of thanks or a bag of treats is nothing to be able to live like we do in America.

[Desula]

on 12/3/2008 Thanks for this valuable information on supporting our troops.

[RENorton]

on 10/13/2008 Great article. This is an excellent way to show support for our brave men and women overseas. Thanks!

[writesource]

on 10/12/2008 Great info. It's good to there are ways to make sure that the troops are being sent items they actually need. Thanks!

[taskeinc]

on 10/12/2008 Very thoughtful article because the troops definitely need our support.