General Discussion Triathlon Talk » MIlitary Care Packages Rss Feed  
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2008-10-28 7:20 AM

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Subject: MIlitary Care Packages

Thought I'd put this out there if anyone was interested -

I am (partially) in charge of a group at my church (St. Maria Goretti) that sends care packages to men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We are preparing for another mailing on November 20th.  If you know of anyone who is serving our country overseas, we would love to add them to our list.  Just send me an email with the address, contact info and (if you know) expected date of return.  We send packages about 4 times a year through donations from our parishioners. 

We don't add anything promoting our church or the Cathloic faith - just a short letter indicating where the package comes from and a thanks for their service.   Sometimes we include letters and cards from our parishioners as well.

Thanks -

Tracy ([email protected])



2008-10-28 7:38 AM
in reply to: #1769870

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Subject: RE: MIlitary Care Packages

I did that for awhile through Soldiers Angels.  It was a great experience. 

I don't personally know any troops over there...but thanks for doing this.  They really appreciate getting the stuff.

2008-10-28 9:11 AM
in reply to: #1769870

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Subject: RE: MIlitary Care Packages
gofishtlp - 2008-10-28 7:20 AM

Thought I'd put this out there if anyone was interested -

I am (partially) in charge of a group at my church (St. Maria Goretti) that sends care packages to men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We are preparing for another mailing on November 20th.  If you know of anyone who is serving our country overseas, we would love to add them to our list.  Just send me an email with the address, contact info and (if you know) expected date of return.  We send packages about 4 times a year through donations from our parishioners. 

We don't add anything promoting our church or the Cathloic faith - just a short letter indicating where the package comes from and a thanks for their service.   Sometimes we include letters and cards from our parishioners as well.

Thanks -

Tracy ([email protected])

Small world.  I got married there.



Edited by Joe Runner 2008-10-28 9:11 AM
2008-10-28 9:14 AM
in reply to: #1769870

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Subject: RE: MIlitary Care Packages
I"ve got a name to put on the list....but I won't be able to PM you till way late tonight....
2008-10-28 9:14 AM
in reply to: #1769870

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Subject: RE: MIlitary Care Packages

I "know" a guy through another online list that I'm on. He just put a call out for stuff for the people that live there, as opposed to the troops. He said that the troops are pretty set where he is, but that the conditions that the kids live in are appalling.  Here's what he wrote about the kids.

We donated rice, cooking oil and clothes to
the villages, but what these kids want is the same thing that all kids want.
Goodies. If anyone would care to donate things like candy, toys, stuffed
animals and/or childrens clothing, that would be awsome. Oh, and soccer
balls. These folks here love soccer more than anything else. I thought it
would be cool if we could get a few dozen balls to give to the villages. Oh,
and inexpensive back packs. All of the kids go to school but they usually
end up carrying their supplies.

He said that military post offices will ship for free to APO addresses. I'm not sure how you're sending stuff, or what you're sending, but you might keep his thoughts in mind. I can PM you his contact info if you're interested in sending that sort of stuff.

2008-10-28 9:18 AM
in reply to: #1769896

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Subject: RE: MIlitary Care Packages
maggyruth - 2008-10-28 8:38 AM

I did that for awhile through Soldiers Angels.  It was a great experience. 

I don't personally know any troops over there...but thanks for doing this.  They really appreciate getting the stuff.

Thanks for posting this (I know I don't belong in your state forum, but I saw this thread and had to look) and I have some ideas...

My friends over there now have said that puzzles are fun. The cheap little game/puzzles like taking the rings apart. Candy and such is good to send now as it won't melt. The soldiers can eat some and pass it out.

Soccer balls are good, so are other athletic games, velcro tennis ball game, etc.

Thanks for your support.



2008-10-28 10:10 AM
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Subject: RE: MIlitary Care Packages

aidana - 2008-10-28 9:14 AM I"ve got a name to put on the list....but I won't be able to PM you till way late tonight....

Sounds great - we're not sending things until mid-November, so don't rush.

2008-10-28 10:14 AM
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Subject: RE: MIlitary Care Packages

Thanks everyone - what we usually do is send individual snack type items - cookies, crackers, lots of candy, beef jerky, etc.  We have been using the new APO/FPO boxes which are about $10 each to ship.  We pack them as full as possible and each person usually gets 2-3 per mailing.  So, there is plenty to share.  I'd love more ideas on what is needed from those over there.  We do get some ideas from the men and women on our list, but it does change over time.

Thanks!! 

2008-10-28 10:35 AM
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Subject: RE: MIlitary Care Packages

The Dollar Store was my best friend while I was doing the Soldier's Angel's thing.  I remember one easter, I bought a bunch of the plastic eggs and stuffed them with candy...the soldier could give them out to kids or what not...I remember using easter grass to stuff the box...obnoxious, yes, but added some color.  I think for Valentine's day, I sent a bunch of little goody bags (again, Dollar Store!).

The post office loved me because I had the customs forms all filled out and ready to go when I go there...I ordered a supply for free from the USPS website...same with the flat rate boxes and the mailing labels.

They liked magazines...my soldier was a guy, but I would send women's mags as well...he was higher ranking and shared with his troops.

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