How to Send Care Packages to the Military
Few things are more uplifting and satisfying than sending care packages to military troops overseas. Military care packages make soldiers' lives a little bit easier and more enjoyable. Knowing how to properly send a care package to the military is a must if you want to inspire and make a positive impact on an active soldier in the military.
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Instructions
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Gather all appropriate items. Food items, personal care items and many other miscellaneous items can be placed in care packages. You can find a complete list of suitable items to place in care packages by visiting the Adopt a Platoon website.
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Place all food and personal care items that pose a risk of leaking or melting in individual plastic bags. If not properly bagged and sealed, items that are susceptible to melting or leaking can damage or ruin the other items in the care package.
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Carefully place the items in a sturdy, standard-sized shipping box. According to Operation Military Pride, the box should be plain and free of commercial markings. Also, the weight of the box, after the items are placed securely inside, should not be more than 70 pounds. Fill all extra space in the box with bubble wrap or crumpled newspaper to prevent damage to the items during shipment.
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Secure the box by double taping all sides and corners with a strong packing or shipping tape. If the box is not secure, items inside the care package could be damaged or even lost as a result.
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Write the recipient's name and military address carefully on the box.
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Take the care package to your local post office and fill out a customs form. According to Adopt a Platoon, all packages sent to military addresses must contain a customs form. The customs form is required so foreign custom authorities can clear the package for entrance into the country. You can choose to mail the care package by priority mail, parcel post or flat mail box.
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Tips & Warnings
If you need help determining which customs form to fill out, ask your post office worker for guidance.
Avoid having the care package sent back to you by ensuring that all items you place in the care package are acceptable and not against military protocol. According to Adopt a Platoon, pork products, alcohol, pornographic materials, liquid hand sanitizer and aerosol cans are examples of items that cannot be sent in care packages.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit military image by T.Tulic from Fotolia.com
