A New Good Will Project

[Venus193]

At the NYC meeting this evening, the three of us came up with another idea to help others, and we'd like to pass the word and see if we can stimulate participation.

Whatever our views on the present war (which we won't discuss), I think it would be a good thing to support our troops.  Many of them are young and away from home for extended periods for the first time, and they need to know that their countrymen care about them.  There are things we can send them that they need or would otherwise appreciate that they obviously can't get there like sunblock, lip balm, moisturizers, certain foodstuffs (nothing homemade or perishable, though), books, DVDs, etc.  The following two sites provide information and instructions:

http://www.anysoldier.com

http://www.booksforsoldiers.com

The first one seems more up-to-date and active.  I just found the name of a female sailor who is looking for non-perishable snacks, romance novels and body lotions, and she's asking for stuff on behalf of a male colleague who apparently has no one to send stuff to him.

There are rules about what not to send, so be sure to read those carefully.

If you belong to a church or other group, you might want to pass these links on.

[Venus193]

Update:  I sent five boxes of stuff out yesterday and just requested two more names from anysoldier.com.  The recipients log in to post thanks to people who sent them stuff; the other day I saw a note from someone requesting that people include their e-mail addresses on any notes enclosed with stuff so that they can e-mail them right away.

It's easier than I thought and not that expensive.  Since there is a military base fairly close to me, the packages go there first and the military takes care of the rest. I don't pay international postage.  The customs form is no big deal, either.

My next-door-neighbor is also getting involved.

If you have books, DVDs, CDs, or board games you know you won't be using again, these are often requested.  Paperback books are better than hardcover for their size and portability.  Content restrictions are that you shouldn't send anything apocalyptically-themed and most sites dedicated to this also say "no horror movies."

[Tabris]

Thanks, Venus! My church is doing something like this right now, so I'll pass the links along to the organizer and see if she's been to them.

We sent a ton of hot chocolate because you're not allowed to send actual chocolate due to melting issues. Plus snacks and such. We were told to send lotions and non food products in a separate package from food products so the scent of those things wouldn't get on the food.

[Venus193]

I've read that, too.  I included two boxes of Lipton To Go iced tea mix in a box of books, but after this any foodstuffs I send will be their own box.

Hot chocolate is a very good idea, as it's getting cold in some of the deployment areas.  It's safe to send actual chocolate right now, but after March or April it's not a good idea.

Feminine hygiene products are in heavy demand; it sounds like most post-exchanges don't stock enough to meet the need.  Maxipads and pantyliners are available in dollar stores around here, so I will be shopping for some tomorrow.  The small packages of 8 pads also make good padding inside the shipping boxes!

Previously-viewed DVDs are inexpensive and a good thing to send.  I picked up a few last week of movies I had missed but wanted to see at least once; two of them are now on their way to a female sailor.  However, don't send any horror or war movies.

Playing cards and board games are also welcome.

What a useful outlet this is for shopaholism.  Is it rude to wonder whether this is tax-deductible?

[Venus193]

My accountant friend in Florida told me it absolutely is tax-deductible, so save receipts and copies of the customs forms with the contents' value stated on them.

I got an e-mail THIS MORNING from a sergeant in Iraq thanking me for the stuff.  I couldn't believe the package only took 5 days to get there.   

[Lisbeth]

I'll try to get involved too as time permits.  It's a good project.

[Venus193]

I feel great about it and I hope more people get involved.  I just discovered that my dollar store has fruity-flavored lip balm, so I will be buying that up on the way home tonight.