How to Get Addresses to Send Care Packages to Troops

A personal message to the receiving soldier adds a human element to the care package.

Sending care packages to troops in the U.S. Military is a generous way to support American soldiers. Care packages supply much-needed goods, such as snacks, office supplies and clothing, as well as provide moral support and goodwill. You may send a care package to a troop if you do not know them personally. However, you must have the name and address for the recipient rather than sending your gift to just any soldier at a military base.

Instructions

1. Access Any Soldier Inc. to find an updated list of soldiers' contact information.

2. Choose the name of a soldier based on his or her branch of service, if you wish to send a package to a specific branch. Select one of the branch codes to the left of the names (A for Army, M for Marine, A for Air Force, N for Navy and C for Coast Guard). Also, you may select the specific branch at the top of the column and a list of only the soldiers in that particular branch will appear.

3. Click on a name from the list on the left side. Look on the right side of the page and find the soldier's title and full name. Click the word "HERE" in the phrase "Click HERE to request the complete address" to receive the soldier's address via email.

4. Go back to the soldier's information page to read a message from the soldier requesting specific items. See where he or she is stationed to ensure you are sending foods or items that are appropriate for that country (Afghanistan bans pornography; Muslim countries ban pork products). Find out where the unit is based, and you can send items from the area, like a local newspaper or regional magazine.

5. Fill your shipping box with items. Check the list on the day you are shipping your care package to ensure the person is still at that base. If the name is not on the list do not ship the care package as they are no longer able to accept it.

Tips & Warnings

• The list is updated every three days to ensure the accuracy of contact information for sending care packages.

• Each household is allowed up to 2 addresses per day and limited to 10 addresses per month.

• Do not expect the soldier to send you a "Thank You" note or any correspondence after you send your care package.

References

• Any Soldier: Where to Send

Resources

• Give2theTroops: Items Requested by Our Troops