Forum.AnySoldier.com

Card Swap #13 - Christmas Holiday Cards - Due Mid November, 2009

VickiV — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:05:14 GMT

I would like to add my name to the list of participants for this swap.

VickiV

socks for soldiers

ga_junkie:) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:52:31 GMT

Here is a great site if you are interested in sending socks to soldiers. I haven't investigated it enough yet to see how the soldiers sign up but it looks like a great company. One of my sons went on line to find a certain type of sock and came across this site. He sent some soldiers some socks....another junkie in the making!.... http://www.foxsox.com/Catalog/category.aspx?code=SLDIR

2009 overlooked contacts

Brooklyn Born — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:48:28 GMT

SFC Hector Gutierrez only 3 requests since posting 2/4/09. Represents 110 males. Unit from Germany. Asking for very general items snacks, hygiene and recreational.

Introduce yourself!!

Marty Horn — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 01:15:25 GMT

Please reply to this thread and introduce yourself.

This area is strictly to get to know you, and you to know us.

We welcome you to this forum and hope that it is both helpful and enjoyable!

My best,

No response yet for SSG Sanchez

aptosgrandma — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:13:51 GMT

Hi everyone,

I'm fairly new to the site. I noticed yesterday that SSG Fernando Sanchez mentions that he has received no contact from anyone. Requested address for him is 14. Maybe his address is wrong??

I just sent boxes to two different groups yesterday. I'll try to send SSG Sanchez something soon.

Spam Alert? Warning? Anyone receive it?

AmyG — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:18:09 GMT

Hi All

I just received an email that I opened...UGH. It read "Check it Out" in the title.......and the Forum Thread was Who Are our Contacts.....

The message body contained something about meeting Jenny ___ and how she was a snob and just looking for a date. The spelling was horrible..it was signed RicksDad.....

I am thinking this is a spam email........did anyone else receive this?

What happens to packages if contact's group leaves before the packages arrives?

doe-c-doe — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:32:12 GMT

Let me start by saying I love AnySoldier’s mission! I have sent packages in the past via other methods and was directed to this site for soldier support. I got an address from AnySoldier on Oct 22 and mailed my packages on Oct 23. When I check the site yesterday the group that I chose has left early Nov 1^st and have been removed from the active list. My question is where do the packages go? Do they follow the company/the contact person? Or do they get distributed to another company? It really doesn’t matter as long as they get to someone that wants them – just wondering. Thanks for the help.

Do you get Christmas gifts for contacts/groups you regularly support?

indy500 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:56:00 GMT

I'm fairly new to AnySoldier. I have two groups I've been supporting since August and am trying to decide what to do for them for Christmas. I've debated about sending the same things I us

Jonathan Jennings

Chyenne — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:58:31 GMT

Hi, has anyone heard from Jonathan Jennings in A'stan?

Ann

Operation Baghdad Pups Update

ValerieLloyd — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:36:24 GMT

I've posted about Operation Baghdad Pups before, and I'd like to share their recent update with you (the Web site has photos and stories of the rescued pets):

"Dear Supporter,

I have a heartfelt message for you from our U.S. troops in Iraq, a resounding, "Thank you!" With your donation, I was able to send the Operation Baghdad Pups team back to Iraq this month to save 16 soldiers' companions. Now, these dogs and cats get to experience the holidays at home with the soldiers who love them. Each of these animal faces comforted our troops during deployment, and today - thanks to you - they are all safe in the U.S. ready to help their soldiers adjust to life after war.

Although I'm very proud of this great success, my thoughts remain with the soldiers' animals that still await our help. We continue to receive multiple requests from troops every week begging us to save their beloved buddies. And so, I must start preparing to send our team back again soon. …

Thank you for your ongoing support! We can't do this life-saving work without you!

Sincerely,

JD Winston

Executive Director

SPCA International"

[Note: There are at least two SPCA Web sites. Operation Baghdad Pups is a legitimate program run by SPCA International. Their Web site is www.spcai.org .]

Diabetes Testers

va girl — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:05:50 GMT

I had a coworker donate 2 new namebrand glucose testers. Does anyone have an idea of where I could send them?

Thanks, Lynn

FREE MAIL!!

ncbeth — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:49:36 GMT

I received my second free mail today! It is the 3rd different soldier that has contacted me....2 by free mail 1 by email! This was a postcard.....I know we shouldn't expect any contact from our soldiers, but it is so thrilling when we do hear from them!

Donations to AnySoldier via bank draft

PatrioticLady — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:31:08 GMT

Has anyone been successful at getting a bank draft set up for regular monthly donations to AnySoldier? I have clicked the link to e-mail Chrissy to set it up, and submitted my phone number but still haven't heard anything back.

A GREAT EMAIL I GOT...(Tear Jerker) but I wonder who here would do this. I know I would

Connorsmommy — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:37:56 GMT

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was

going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read, perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled

all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.

'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.

'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then

we're being deployed to Afghanistan .'

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack

lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours

before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help

pass the time..

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he

planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a

sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we

get to base.'

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked

to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill.

'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed

tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier

in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated.
She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to

the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from

first class. 'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane,

heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I

want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five

dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down

the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was

not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on

my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held

out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand.

With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military

pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch.. It was an act of kindness I

never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of

the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A

man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand,

wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting

just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something

in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word.

Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip

to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five

dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be

about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their

fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer

for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our

country. I could only give them a couple of meals.

It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check

made payable to ' Canada ' for an amount of 'up to and

including my life.'

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no

longer understand it.'

I JUST DID

~Freedom Isn't Free Somebody Paid~

(For those that dont know Petawawa is a Base In Ontairo Canada)

Guardian Bells

becky mcnutt — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:06:33 GMT

Marty,

Christmas is coming up fast and I would love the bells . Do you have anymore info for us on them.

Becky

Batteries are okay to send?

scmiller — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:33:20 GMT

For some reason, I thought that I read in these forums that they weren't alright to send. I searched and came across a few threads that discussed the types that most soldiers wanted.

Can someone help clarify this for me? Thanks!

Shaving Cream: Pressurized can

Sarah — Tue, 15 May 2007 12:33:29 GMT

What's a person to do?

You must be an AnySoldier Junkie if...

Anonymous — Wed, 30 May 2007 09:42:29 GMT

When I got home today, the contractor who is remodeling my guest bath was waiting for me. So was a package with a Nordstrom logo on it. I had taken advantage of Mother's Day sales to stock up on a rather pricey skin care product that I like.

When I saw the package, my face lit up. Seeing my reaction, the contractor remarked that there must be something pretty special in that box! I had to laugh. What made my face light up was not the skin care product, but the box....it was just the size I'd been searching for to mail some items to a soldier!

Themed Care Packages

Las Vegas Angel — Sun, 20 May 2007 00:45:09 GMT

My boyfriend is in the army and I've sent him a "few" of these themed care packages. Sometimes I need new ideas as I'm sure some of you anysoldier junkies can relate. The same old care package can get a little boring after awhile so I've taken some of the ideas I've found online and compiled one giant list. I'm sure many of you have great ideas and I'd love to hear them. Here is my "little"....well not so little list! Enjoy!

THEMED CARE PACKAGE IDEAS!

SOLDIER CARE PACKAGE
"Tucked inside this little bag
When your spirits are starting to sag
Are some little reminders that I care
As you fight for freedom over there."

Toothpick: To help you pick out the good in every situation you encounter.
Hugs and Kisses(Hershey's Hugs and Kisses): Because sometimes we all need a "hug and kiss"
Paperclip: to help you "keep it together" when it all seems to be hitting the fan.
Marble: To replace "the ones we all lose" from time to time.
Snickers: To remind you to "laugh" even when you feel like crying.
Rubber Band: To help you be flexible and "bounce back" in times of trouble without breaking.
Stick of Gum: To remind you to "stick" with the task at hand.
Mint: To let you know you're worth a "mint" to me.
Cotton Ball: To help "cushion" the rough times.
Lollipop: To help you "lick" the problems you encounter.
Star Burst: To let you know I'm "bursting" with pride for you.
Nut: To remind you to relax and get a little "nutty" sometimes.
Tootsie Roll: To remind you of the important "roll" you play.
Lifesaver: To signify the "lifesaving" things you do to keep our country free.

New Baby:
A "Its A Boy/Girl" birth announcement card, candy pacifiers, baby bottles filled with candy, baby wipes (which they need), baby lotion, baby powder small stuffed animal, bubble gum cigars, baby boy stuffed bear, cheerios, Gerber Graduates - Banana Cereal Snackin' Squares, Veggie Crackers, Veggie Wagon Wheels, Fruit Juice Snacks, Cereal Bars, Johnson's Take Along toiletry pack, Sugar Babies, Milk Duds, Sour Patch Kids, Mini sweet tarts, Jerky Steak Bites - for teething, and can of powdered pink lemonade[Now I realize blue kool aid would have been more appropriate] (printed a new label - Baby Soldier Formula - Caution - use of this product may cause baby to require less sleep than normal babies, ability to sleep anywhere, develops strong patriotism, etc., and a disposable camera to record his rapid growth

Crazy for cookies:
Any type of cookie in the cookie aisle Would be great during the holidays.

From the local zoo:
animal crackers, peanuts, peanut butter from the elephants, beef jerky from the lions, dried banana chips from the chimps, trail mix from the birds ,Hostess Snowballs from the polar bears, tuna from the seals, postcards, stuffed animals or plastic zoo animals

You got the write stuff:
pens, pencils, markers, stationary, envelopes, your own letters of encouragement, phone card, blank greeting cards, post cards, hand made cards, gel pens, stickers, sheet of computer printed return labels

Sweet Dreams package:
cookies, hot chocolate, tea, pillow, powdered milk, book, small reading light, marshmallows (for the choc), mug

Fiesta theme:
Margarita drink mix, Pina colada mix, lemonade, Salsa, Torango Chips (in a triangluar pringles type can), cheese in a jar (found in chips isle), hot tamales candy, Fire Balls candy, Red, green, yellow balloons, Chili peppers (canned), Refried beans, taco or fajita seasoning, tobasco Sauce, pinata (filled with candy),Taco Bell sauce packets

Lets Play Ball:
baseballs, peanuts, major league gum, sunflowers, baseball cards, baseball hat, shreaded beef jerky (looks like snuff), sunglasses, popcorn, fake beer (near beer?), Cracker Jacks and a pennant from a hometown team, game day programs, stats on teams and players

Brain Teasers:
Those little games you get at parties and you have to put those little balls in the holes, crossword puzzles, puzzles, those puzzles that are small and metal and you have to take them apart and then put back together, rubiks cube, travel size games of checkers and chess

Emeril of Iraq (or other place):
all kinds of hot nuts and sauces and spices, Sun-dried tomatoes, dried shitake mushrooms olive oil, minced garlic (jar), balsamic vinegar, dry rub spices, marinades, specialty oils pesto, capers, anything from Emeril's food product line (esp BAM! essence), perhaps some grilling utensils (spatula, tongs, etc), Emeril recipes/cookbook (Every Day's A arty sounds like a fun one) napkins, coasters, etc from his restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, or Orlando

Under the Sea:
anything with Sponge Bob? Fish shaped crackers, salt packets, Blue colored Kool Aid, shark gummies, swedish fish, little game that has those fish going around and you have to fish for them? Goldfish game cards, At Oriental Trading company you can buy those toy fish. Maybe a Go Fish game. Tuna, those Sea Monkeys you add water to and they grow. Maybe the crystals you add water too and they grow to resemble underwater coral growths, How about one of the medium sized Conk seashells so he could hear the ocean? Salt water taffey is always a hit too

Breakfast on the Go:
individual packages of cereal, instant oatmeal, trail mix, hot chocolate, coffee, mug, chex morning mix, donuts, Pop Tarts, cereal bars

You Stink:
soap, deoderent, socks, laundry soap tablets, air fresheners, Foot powder, Odor eaters, baby powder, Fabreeze, baby wipes, new undies, tee shirts, whoopee cushion

Big Cheese/Promotion Box:
Cheese curls, cheese balls, cheese flavored chips, cheese Doritos, cheese popcorn, cheese and crackers, cheese flavored crackers, tubs of cheese spread, cheesy instant mashed potatoes

Jamaica in a Box:
Jerk Seasoning for their MRE's, Bob Marley posters and CD's, sand bucket and shovel (They have all the sand they need there), travel magazines from Jamaica Some beach towels with board games like twister, checkers on them, sunglasses, tropical fruits (since you can't send fresh fruits, he thought either the canned ones or dried fruits) pictures of the Jamaican countryside we took, little tropical things like palm trees, fish, etc that you can get from Oriental Trading Company postcards from Jamaica, sunscreen one of those hats with dread locks attached, translation guide on how to speak Jamaican or Patois as it's called there, a Jamaican Flag with an explanation on what the colors mean

Sun Tea:
Get one of those plastic 2qt jugs with the handles and the push button spout.. fill the inside of the jug with tea bags, sugars and sweet and lows and see about finding a restraunt that carries those little packets of real lemon...or even include a few real lemons??? Include a spoon and some cups... or Celestial Seasonings 'summer tea' bags that you use with cold water....hubby seems to like these real well....I also found on an end cap at wallyworld sample size for 25cents that came 4 bags in each pouch...we used these in our platoon packages this last shipment. ~

Pool/Sand Party:
a burnt cd with the 'beach boys' or any other group singing about...summer time fun... beach ball, squirt guns--water balloons--ummmm, koolaid and those little paper umbrellas, several different types of "water bombs" that you soak in water and toss around, footballs, vollyballs, sand toys, those velcro pads you wear on a hand & the balls that stick to them. bunch of beach towels, , chapstick, bottles of aloe vera, Beach Towel board games(Twister, Checkers & Tic, Tac Toe), hacky sacks, insect repellent, plastic baseball bat and ball sunflower seeds, buckets and shovels(to build sand castles), soft-sided cooler plastic Trucks to play in the sand with, croquet game, kiddie blow up pool, ice tea, lemonade, sunglasses, sunscreen

Hawaiian/Luau:
Macadamia nuts, coconut creme cookies, Kona coffee, sugar in the raw packets, photos/cards with Hawaiian scenery, go to orientaltrading.com they have a TON of Hawaiian things like paper palm trees, grass hula skirts, leis, coconut novelties, tropical staws w/ palm trees, flamingos, pineapples, etc. pineapple chunks, 'hawaiian tropic lotion smell', Hawaiian punch juice boxes, sun glasses, pina colada drink mixes, bag of seashells, line the box with tropical themed wrapping paper, Hawaiian girl car ornament, inflatable fish, sharks, palm trees, Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, Dole tropical fruit cups, dried mango, papaya and pineapple, those Loreal Kids Shampoo in fish shaped containers, teriyaki chicken and beef nuggets, Barbie dolls dressed in bikinis, colorful flip flops

Kick back and have some fun:
Dominoes, playing cards, magazines, books, music CD's, those relaxation CD(the ones with sounds of waves, etc), crossword puzzles, word searches,jig saw puzzles, hand-held electronic games, squirt guns, water balloons, bubbles, hacky sacks, nerf Balls, jokes and funny pictures and cartoons

Going Nuts/Hang In There Package:
banana chips, barrel of monkey game, I think Little Debbie makes some Curious George Banana Twin cakes, Bath & Body Works has some Kids Bananarama wipes, all kinds of nuts - carmel corn with nuts, peanut butter, peanut butter crackers, baby ruth, snickers, almond joy, planters bars, peanut brittle, Peanut - Almond or Peanut Butter M&M's, all flavored corn nuts

Cold Season :
some cough drops, kleenex, tea, instant noodle soup, hot chocolate, get well card phone card to call MOMMY

Poker Party:
Poker chips and cards... for snacks so far I have pizza, cheese and bbq pringles, sunflower seeds, tobasco flavored microwave popcorn (found at dollar store)... and since I have read of people being successful sending cans - I am going to send O'Douls non-alcoholic beer in ziplocks and bubble wrap. maybe send cheese/cracker snack packs with Pepperoni pieces, chips and dips, salsa, pretzels, shelled peanuts, dice, play money, dealer visors and a lucky rabbits foot and shot glasses, felt to play on, Crackers & Pub cheese or velveeta (no refridge req'd kind), beef summer sausage, salami, or pepperoni, drink mixes (Bloody Mary, Margarita, etc - for virgin drinks), Gatorade or iced tea powder some kind of multicolor hard candies (in case they run out of chips, chocolate - Tasteations or Nips or equiv. for the summer, men's magazines, CDs/Music & batteries, cards, chips, dice , cigars/cigarellos - the real ones - recommend Black-n-Mild - they're pretty cheap, bubble gum cigars & candy cigarettes - for those that don't want the above, party-themed napkins/plates/decor

Salute to the Heroes:
bag of toy soldiers, donuts, water guns, small black flashlight, there are some fire stations that will give a t-shirt to another fireman in a different area that may be visiting, maybe if you explain what you are doing they may give you a t-shirt from their station a St. George Medal. St. George is the Patron Saint of the Military. The inscription on the back reads: "Keep us safe, day and night. Give us courage, strength and might."

Warm Them Up:
Hot Tamales, flamin hot Cheetos,hot sauce, hot nuts,cajun spices,Fritos and Jalapeno Dip, Atomic Fire Balls, Cinnamon Gum, Red Hots, Hot-Flavored Planters Peanuts, Mini bottles of hot sauce, Cinnamon TicTacs, IcyHot Sore Muscle Rub, Crystal Lite Iced Tea, Andy Capp Red Hot Fries, Jalapeno Jelly Belly Beans, a Hot Rod magazine and Tums,Icy/Hot Cream

and Cool Them Down:
A few of Angel's chilly willys squirt guns (forgot to put them in the bday box - space cadet!) Fan/Mister & Batteries Dentyne Ice & Koolerz gum IceBreakers mint tin Lemonade Drink Mix SnowBall cakes Cool Ranch Doritos Sunglasses (also forgot to put them in bday box - I must get organized!) water bottle "wet suit" candy ice cream cone thing-a-ma-jigs

American A-Z:
A- Individual Apple Pies B-Baseball: Plastic or nerf baseball and bat C- cotton candy in a bag, chocolate chip cookies, D- Ding Dong Hostess Cakes E- F- Flags, Nerf Footballs, G-Gatorade powder H- Hot Dogs(Vienna Sausages(chicken)) I-Ice Cream -The astronaut Ice Cream someone else mentioned J- Jokes, jelly bean ( red white and blue ) K- Kool Aide mix, Kellogâ€™s cereals L- M- mac n cheese N- O- Oreos P- poker cards/chips,phone card to call home, Mr Potato Head, popcorn Q- Q-tips R- Racing: Die Cast Cars, Schedules from Race Tracks, Ritz crackers S-Sunflower Seeds, Soldiers (Toy Soldiers), slinky T- tea for sun tea, twinkies, taco bell sauce U-Unity: Photos showing people's support of our soldiers(signs in yards, etc) V- volley ball and net W- watermelon flavored hard candy X- Y- yo yos, yellow mustard Z- zingers

Fishing:
a box of "Whoppers, the game Go Fish, some little plastic fish from Oriental Trading Co, they've got all kinds of fish and things like that, rig up a little fishing pole out of a piece of dowel rod and string, a hat with fishing flies on it, pepperidge farms goldfish crackers, Swedish Fish, Field and Stream magazines, gummy night crawlers, tuna kit

Lets Play Ball:
baseballs, peanuts, major league gum, sunflowers, baseball cards, baseball hat, shredded beef jerky (looks like snuff), sunglasses, popcorn, fake beer (near beer?), Cracker Jacks and a pennant from a hometown team, game day programs, stats on teams and players

Gentlemen start your engines:
Any racing related items: NASCAR, NHRA, BUSCH, Fomula One, little remote control car, they also make die cast car replicas of the individual driver's cars

Personal Hygiene:
razors, baby wipes, toilet paper, deodorent,foot powder, odor eaters, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, eye drops, lotion, soap with plastic case, Q-tips, shaving cream, towels, Bug Be Gone, medicated chapstick,antibactarial hand sanitizer,dental floss, tampons/pads, baby powder, sports bras, underwear

Pamper Party:
I'm thinking of including 2 bottles of foot soak and a small inflatable pool so they can all soak their feet, also some foot lotion, foot powder, foot files, new socks, some mud mask stuff, and some cappucino or International Foods coffee and some cookies,some shampoo and deep conditioning treatment too, scented lotions, peel-off facial masques (individual), travel size Caress body washes & lotions, travel size baby powders, chap sticks, clear fingernail polish, emery boards, foot scrub & foot/leg lotion, new socks & underwear, microwave popcorn, fancy chocolates, the movie "Thelma & Louise", Cosmo & other magazines, stationary, plastic soap dish's with lid's and used those to pack several small bottles of nail polish & toe seperators. Wal-mart has a little itty bitty bottle for $0.88 in various colors. Liquid body gel & lotion in matching scents, a soap scrunchie, a back washing "strap", packet of pony tail holders, case of bobby pins, a small pair of trim scissors., nail clippers, tweezers, disposable "ladies" razors, toothpaste, toothbrush

Birthday Ideas:
In an Oriental Trading book, there is balloon animal kit, cake in a jar, party hats, streamers, confetti, noise makers, get some of the Little Debbies cakes and candles, traditional birthday banner, party favors, noisemakers of course, confetti, balloons, filling space with shredded colored tissue paper (red, white & blue or camo colors to keep with the theme so to speak), hard candy, and bubblegum, camo napkins, plates (seen them at party supply stores and craft stores) party games like pen the tail on the donkey. Hostess Cupcakes, box of candles, confetti, birthday cards signed by as many people as possible, goodies like candy and books etc wrapped in birthday paper. Hershey gifts sells a chocolate cake (basically it's in the shape of a cake-candle included and personalized) it's like a giant chocolate candy bar but a circle in a b-day tin. check out the link:
www.hersheygifts.com/p...2(Hershey)

Christmas Ideas:
how about a Christmas card swap, I know postage would be a little more but soldiers would be bombarded with cards across the nation, those little Christmas trees that they sell in all of the mail order catalogs (Lillian Vernon, etc.) that come with their own ornaments, mini Christmas stockings and candy canes or those little candy bags of coal (bubble gum ones), the green and red M&Ms for the holidays, an Advent Calendar box, Oriental Trading Company has these. They are little pine trees (about 4" tall) that have a mineral solution on them (I'm going by memory here, I have a whole bag upstairs in a closet but am too lazy to dig them out). You add water to the little base, and these color mineral salts "grow" on the tree and look like colored snow and decorations

Halloween Ideas:
A gingerbread haunted house ( all precut and ready to go), goodie bags full of candy, plastic carved pumpkins, a Tootsie Roll pop covered with tissue to look like a ghost, apple cider packets, candy corn, costume for your soldier, carvable pumpkins

Thanksgiving Ideas:
Turkey Jerky, dried cranberries I think they are called Craisens?, if you check a good candy store there are some candies called Peas n Carrots ( they are round green balls and small orange squares ), candy corn, beef jerky or summer sausage = venison, potato chips = potatoes, canned veggies = veggies, dried fruits and assorted mixed nuts are themselves assorted crackers or breadsticks = asst. breads, hostess fruit pies for the pies, cupcakes for cakes, you could even send some caramel sauce with shortbread cookies for the gravy! and send it in one of those cheapy cornucopia baskets from the craft stores and stick some plastic or silk colored leaves around it and write a note on a nice autumn looking picture postcard ! If you have kids - or access to some, you can do some Thanksgiving crafts. The old trace-you-hand and color turkey comes to mind, instant mashed potatoes, many of the big candle companies make scented candles that would fit this theme and Thanksgiving also, for example, Yankee has Harvest, Cranberry Chutney, Apple Cider, Autumn Lodge, Pumpkin Pie, and Spiced Pumpkin

Valentine's Day Care Packages:
www.beyondbookmarks.co...ddonsid=30
www.funcarepackages.co...l?osCsid=f
Care Package Ideas to show how â€œsweetâ€ your soldier is to you:
Happy Valentine's Day Card
Red and White Crinkle Paper
Personalized Valentine's Message
6" Valentine's Plush Bear
Necco Conversation Hearts
Hershey's Hugs and Kisses
York Peppermint Patties
Nestle's Crunch Hearts
Sweetarts Hearts
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Big Red Gum
Red and White Mints
Twizzlers
Homemade valentines.
Traditional Valentines candy such as sweethearts
Conversation Hearts and/or small "friendly" gift such as warm socks or a stuffed animal.
Valentine's Tootsie Pops
Valentine cards from local school children
Valentine's for Veterans-get some vets to write out some cards for our troops or better yet send a Valentine for a vet.
A valentine letter wrote entirely with candy message hearts glued to the paper.

St Patricks Day:
green beanie baby, green jelly beans, instant irish coffee, rice krispie treats dyed green, potato soup, green sugar 4 leaf clover cookies, Irish Spring soap, Pert Shampoo, taste the rainbow of "skittles",Lucky Charms cereal, sour cream and onion Pringels, small toys from Oriental trading company or your local party store, gum in green wrappers, green dental floss, green toothbrush,guacamole chips,

EASTER IDEAS:
jelly beans, starburst, bunny corn, skittles, easter basket, colored candycanes,. eggs, candy, toys hidden in eggs, bible verses, chocolate eggs,Don't forget the peeps!!! Those lil sugary chics, bunnies, etc remember? A big hit last year were the "jousting" peeps. Send your soldier toothpicks, have them insert on in each peep, put them in the microwave facing each other, turn it on (obviously) and watch them "joust"!!! Your soldiers will get a big kick out of it!!! Banners to decorate their rooms or mess hall that say Happy Easter. Confetti to decorate the tables, pin the tail on the Easter Bunny-maybe a playboy bunny,Stuffed Animal of a Easter Bunny, Stationary, Phone Cards, typical chocolates, Easter Coloaring Book with Crayons, Easter Book Mark, just some fun things. I'm trying to find an Easter Pinata to send along with the candy so the soldiers can fill the pinata and have at it, Water Guns that are shaped like Easter, Easter Straws, if you go to walmart, in the toy section there is a pack with a jump rope , jacks, the paddle with a ball. I sent a few of those to a unit, and they said that was the best thing that they could have ever receive. They laughed all night long. And they are only $2.00 for a pack, How about a couple of egg dying kits. I'm sure they can get hard boiled eggs from the chow hall. Make sure the kits only require water (no vinegar). Easter M&Ms are great, they won't melt, Plastic eggs so he can make up Easter treats for buddies or have an Easter egg hunt, Stickers,The dollar stores sell al kinds of Easter Novelties, like plastic bendable rabbits, colorful erasers, pencils, etc.

4th of July Care Package Ideas:

Thanks for defending
the red, white, and blue.
We want you to know
that we're thinking of you.
So here are some treats-
all in U.S. hues,
To help you combat
the "Mess Hall Blues"!

Personalized Message
Cards from local school children
Red, White & Blue Crinkle Paper
Red, White & Blue - Chex Mix
Red, White & Blue - Cracker Jacks
Red & White - Starlight Mints
Red - Nacho Cheese Doritos
Red - Atomic Fire Balls
Red - Twizzlers
Red - Gatorade Drink Mix
Red - Skittles
White - Tic Tacs
White - Payday
Blue - Oreo Cookies
Blue - StarKist Tuna Pack
Blue - Rice Krispie Treat
Blue - Winterfresh Gum
Blue - Phase 10 card game
4th of July type movies (see other post)
4th of July music (see other post)
4th of July items from Oriental Trading
4th of July table decorations/picnic items
American Flags
www.bizrate.com/giftba...7195-.html
www.care4troops.com/pa...erican.htm

For Fun and Entertainment:
Batteries (AA, AAA, C), Blank Greeting Cards (for Soldiers to send home), Books, Magazines (Please see disallowed items list), Card games (Uno, Skip-bo, etc.), Colored pencils, Crossword Puzzle Books, Decks of cards, Dice, Disposable Cameras, DVD/CD cases with zippers, Bandannas, DVDâ€™s and VHS Movies, Electronic hand held games (poker, blackjack, etc.), Flashlight with a red lens, Frisbee, Envelopes, Global phone cards (pre-paid), Hackie Sacks, Hand-held games, Jigsaw Puzzle Books, ,Jokes & comics, Journals, Jump ropes, Mini-fans, Music CDs, Nerf toys (small footballs, basketball, etc.), Paper / Stationary, Pencils (mechanical), Pens (Black ink only), Pocket size notebook ,Slinkyâ€™s, Softballs, Squirt guns, Travel games, Word Search Books, Wrap Around Sunglasses (Blaster Shield Style), Yo-yoâ€™s, you could also use newspaper for packing material that way they could read it afterwards.

Food and Snack Items:
Crystal Lite Drink Mixes (Just add water) Beef Jerky, Beef Summer Sausage, Breakfast Cereal â€“ Individual sizes, Cereal bars, Instant Cup of Soup (Just add Water), Cheese and Crackers, Chex Mix / Snack Mix, Instant coffee (various flavors), Chocolate, Coffee Singles (like a tea bag), Coffee-mate Non-Dairy Creamer (powder), Condiments (Fast food restaurant type packets), Cookies, Equal (packets), Fruit Cocktail / Applesauce Snack Packs, Gatorade (presweetened, powder), Granola Bars, Gum, Hard Candy, Hickory Farms Beef Stick, Homemade cookies / baked goods, Hostess Snack Cakes, Hot cocoa / Hot chocolate (Just add water), Huntâ€™s Snack Pack Puddings, Individually Wrapped Snack Items, Instant Grits (Just add water), Instant Oatmeal (Just add water), Jell-O Snack Packs, Kool-aid (presweetened, powder), Kraft Handi Snacks, ,Lemonade Mix (presweetened, just add water),Life Savers / Certs / Tic Tacâ€™s, Little Debbie Snack Cakes / Treats, Malted Milk Mixes (Just add water), Maruchan Instant Lunch â€“ Cup of soup/noodles, Milk & Cereal bars, Nacho dip, Peanut Butter and Crackers, Pop tarts / Pop tart sticks, Power bars, Pretzels (Regular, Yogurt dipped, etc.), Pringles snack size packs, Rice Krispies Treats, Salt / Pepper packets, Snack Crackers (Wheat thins, Ritz), Snack Size Chip Varieties, Sugar (packets), Tea Bags, Trail Mix, Tuna Snack Kits, Velveeta

Boredom Buster Care Package:
This care package is full of great activities to cure their boredom. It's an ideal military care package, or perfect for anyone that is homebound, in the hospital, or stuck in bed. If your child needs some extra fun for camp, this care package is great fun for camp. All of the items in this care package are small enough to fit into a pack, backpack, or suitcase.
Hasbro Electronic Hand-Held Yahtzee
Radica Electronic Pocket Poker Hand-Held Game
Radica Electronic Pocket Slot Hand-Held Game
MGA Entertainment Baseball Hand-Held Game
Original Full Size Rubik's Cube
Original Full Size Slinky

"Spiritual Journey"
devotional literature; encouraging studies; bulletins, notes, & recordings from congregation; books by favorite authors (to be shared with one another then donated to the chapel), etc.

"Surviving the Sandstorms"
eye wash, nasal spray, chap stick, sand scarf, bandana, etc.

"Laundry Load"
laundry soap (sample size), fabric softener sheets, cleans socks, socks, underwear and bras fare always eaten up by the washer and or dryer.

"Lotta Java"
Tea, cocoa, coffee singles, creamer, sugar, international coffee tins,

"Thanks a Million!"
Things that "seem" expensive such as Grey Poupon, small amount of cash, electronic version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, and wrap items in green tissue paper

"Hang in There!"
Stuffed animal monkey, banana bread, banana chips, banana
pudding, Monkeys in a Barrel game, card with a monkey on it

"A Day at the Beach"
sunscreen, beach towel, beach snacks, flip flop sandals (shower shoes), Aloe Vera gel, sunglasses, beach music, beach ball

"Medicine Cabinet"
Aspirin, band-aids, Neosporin cream, A&D ointment, cold medicine, Alka Seltzer, Rolaids, etc.

"Staying Healthy"
Nutrition/health bars, vitamins, nutri-grain bars, Gatorade or PowerAid,

"MRE/Mess Hall Survival Kit"
Restaurant size condiments and snacks

"Correspondence Carton"
Notebook paper, stationery, pens, pencils, stickers, journal, envelopes, address book (filled), camera with a note to send back once its filled

"Action Heroes"
Powerbars, squirt guns, Red Bull drinks, small Army figurines

"To Be a Kid Again"
silly string, bubbles, small bouncy balls, hacky sacks, brain teaser toys (Rubix Cube, etc.), deck of cards, dominoes, whoopie cushion

"Bathroom in a Box"
toilet paper, razor refills, foot powder, bars of soap, washcloths, travel size shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush

"Stress Reliever"
back scratcher, bubble wrap, yo-yos, bubbles, squeezy tension

"I'm Nuts about You"
peanuts, cashews, pistachios, peanut butter cookies, any

"Rocks On"
Pop rocks, CDs, Itunes/Napster music gift card, music dvd

"And this Little Piggie went to the Sandbox"
(foot care kit) foot powder, boot inserts, foot lotion, foot file, fresh socks, toe nail clippers

"Chili Today, Hot Tamale"
Hot Tamales (candy), small cans of chili, red pepper flakes, salsa flavored sunflower seeds, Cajun flavor Pringles, Spicy Chex mix,
Boston Red Hots, peppered beef jerky, Taco Bell hot sauce packets, Extreme Doritos, chili powder, nacho cheese sauce in a can

"How do you eat your OREOS?"
regular Oreos, peanut butter Oreos, double stuff Oreos, chocolate filled Oreos, etc.

"Pick Nick Basket"
Line basket with linen napkin and fill with juice boxes, beef summer sausages, pre-packaged cheese, fruit roll ups, chips, nuts, cookies,
candies, pickles, olives, etc. Throw in some plastic ants and photos of your pick nick back home

"Breakfast on the Go"
nutrigrain bars, instant oatmeal cups, boxes of cereal, pop tarts, powdered donuts, packaged muffins, cocoa, coffee, Tang,

"Ruck Sack Snack Pack"
fill with loved oneâ€™s favorite snack items

"Sloppy Kisses"
chocolate melts there, so a package of Hersheyâ€™s kisses are
bound to be "sloppy kisses"

"Congrats on your Promotion"
congratulations party favors, snack items, sparkling cider (wrapped in bubble wrap)

"Pamper Party" (for females)
feminine hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, hair barrettes and scrunchies (same color as their hair), facial scrub or soap, facial
mask, lotion, shower gel, razors, facial moisturizer, tweezers, nail care kit, toner, special facial products

Beach Party Luau:
Coconut drink holders, leis, Hawaiian music cd, dried pineapples & other tropical fruits, sunglasses, grass skirts, etc (a lot can be bought in the Oriental Trading Company Catalog)

Hot & Spicy Extreme Pack:
Hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, extreme Doritos, extreme cheese sandwich crackers, microwave popcorn (use chili powder on this), Nachos, jar cheese, salsa, tums.

Picnic Basket:
Cheap picnic basket, checkered tablecloth, plastic ants, summer sausage & cheese stuff (from Hickory Farms), Hostess Apple Pies, root beer barrels, Frisbees.

At the Movies:
New release movie, or taped sitcoms, microwave popcorn (get empty popcorn tubs from movie theater for putting popcorn in), cups & straws, Koolaid mix, movie candy (good-n-plenty, whoppers, malt balls, etc)

Saturday Morning Cartoons:
tapes of cartoons, mini boxes of cereal, poptarts, cereal bars, fun socks or boxers, fun pillow cases

Fun & Games:
Nerf balls of all kinds, bubbles, cards, card games, hacky sack, squirt guns, balloons, Frisbees, silly string, slinky, bubble gum, rice krispy treats, cookies, pez & dispensers, popcorn, koolaid, travel games

Friday Night Pamper Me Party (for the girls):
shower/bath gel, lotion, flavored coffee (Starbucks), teddy bear, cute coffee mug, fun socks, stationary, teas, novels, bath beads/salt, nail polish & other nail accessories, mask, hot oil treatment, popcorn , wooden hand massager, relaxation cd, candle in a tin & CHOCOLATE

Foot Care Kit:
Foot soak, Peppermint foot lotion, foot file, foot powder/spray, Pumice stone, Dr Scholls Inserts, new socks, put all in plastic tub big enough to soak feet in

Fishing in a Box:
Fishing Magazines, goldfish crackers, Swedish fish, gummi worms, fishing games, â€œgo fishâ€ playing cards, fishermans hat, tackle box, lip balm, sunscreen, lego kit of a boat, sand pail to fill with water to play with fish price fishing game that comes with plastic fish, fishing pole & tackle box.

Action Hero/Super Hero:
figurines or toy action figures, packs of little green army men, squirt guns, Gatorade, power bars, red bull drinks

Keep in touch kit:
writing supplies, journal, pictures, cameras, blank all occasion cards, address book, envelopes

Keep Smiling box:
Magic 8 Ball, Mad Libs, Smiley Face Toys, Goofy candy like Sours, Nerds, Laffy Taffy (line box with Smiley face paper)

Lotta Java Pack:
teas, cocoa, coffee packs & canned coffees (starbucks), Milanoâ€™s cookies, relaxing magazine to read, etc

Staying Healthy:
Doctor bag or plastic toy one filled with aspirin, cold meds, sinus meds, vitamins, visine, bandaids, Neosporin, power bars, soup, and other health related things

Movie Care Package:
Movie (DVD or VHS), Microwave Popcorn (or already popped if they don't have access),M&Ms,Doritos,Cracker Jacks,Rice Krispie Treats,Twizzlers,Cookies (Oreos and Chips Ahoy),Ruffles Chips & Dip,Hot Tamales,Nachos (Tortilla chips & cheese),Make a "Now Featuring" Movie "Poster" on your computer and add it to the package

Get Well Package:
Puzzle,Chicken Noodle Soup Packets,Gourmet Tea Packets,Cold Medicine,Crackers,Inspirational "Get Well" Quotes,Goldfish,Dole Fruit Cups,Get Well "Pills" (candy coated mints),Get Well Card, Chapstick,A&D ointment

At Ease Package:
Glow in the dark yo yo, Crossword Puzzle Book, Silly Putty, Deck of Cards, Ritz Bitz, Pringles, Cookies, Twizzlers, Cheetos, Cereal Bars,

"Scruf" Care Package:
Razors, Baby Wipes, Chapstick, Shaving Cream, Deodorant, mouthwash, Lotion (if soldier is female step it up a notch and do something SPA line),Foot Powder, Shampoo & Conditioner, Soap, Big Fluffy Towel, Toilet Paper, Shoe Polish

Comforts of Home Package:
Small Bottle of Febreeze, Candle, Snuggle Dryer Sheets, Phone Card, Blanket (A nice comfy one), Glade Stick Ups, Pair of Slippers or Cozy Socks, Hot Cocoa or Coffee, Decorative Coffee Mug, Pillowcase with your perfume/cologne sprayed on it, Book on Tape

"Big Kid" Package:
Squirt Guns, Silly Putty, Silly String, Whoopie Cushion, Funny Face Eyeglasses, Sidewalk Chalk, Crayons & Color Book, Jacks,
Marbles, Balloons, Frisbee, Football/Soccer Ball (mini), Hacky Sack

Holiday Themed Packages:
Fill any package with holiday themed ideas and use things like tissue paper, balloons, confetti etc. to decorate it!

Bath Package:
Gel eye-pack, Shower Gel, Shower Flip-Flops, Aroma therapy oils, Scented candles and holders, Pumice stone, Washcloths, scrubber or loofa sponge, Back cleaning brush, Relaxing music on CD or cassette, Rubber ducky

Write Home Package:
Note paper or cards, Envelopes (choose a variety of sizes), Letter opener, Nice Pen or Pencil, Address Labels, Address Book

Sports Theme Package:
Favorite Sport Magazine, Taped TV or DVD of favorite sport, cheetos, Popcorn, Personalized Mug, Cookies

"A Day At Home" Package:
There are several variations of this package. The idea is to replicate a day with you. First, you'll need a camera. Take pictures of each thing you do. Use your creativity here are a few ideas:
We woke up (take a picture in bed) and ate breakfast (take a picture eating cereal) and then took a shower (take picture in towel). We started the day off by doing some yard work and mowing the lawn (take picture mowing lawn). After our work, we had lunch (take picture with lunch). Then we colored pictures - or threw around a football etc. (take pictures doing activity). We all ate dinner together (take picture having dinner). We had a full day so we were tired when it was time to set down and watch our favorite TV programs (take picture watching TV). Later we snuggled up in our jammies (take picture in jammies) and had a nighttime snack (take picture snacking). We love you very much and miss you! (send picture of kiss goodnight)
Now take all of your pictures (referencing above) and send them with "treats"
Pillowcase with cologne/perfume sprayed or maybe a decorated one
Several small boxes of cereal or cereal bars
Shower Gel or Shampoo or even a towel
Grass Clippings in a baggie or dirt from backyard (strange but reminds them of home)
Color Books or Football
Lunch Snacks
New Pajamas
Popcorn
Recorded TV show or movie DVD
Hershey's Kisses

$9 for New Hardcover by Best-Selling Authors

raycope — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:46:48 GMT

Price war between Amazon.com and Walmart.com results in $9 for new novels (hardcover) by best-selling authors. For example, the following are $9 for pre-order:

Pirate Latitudes - Michael Crichton
Ford County - John Grisham
Breathless - Dean Koontz
Under the Dome - Stephen King

Afghanistan bound mother's dilemma, Spc Alexis Hutchinson

door — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:30:11 GMT

It has come to my attention that a soldier needs child care help for her 11 month old baby while she is deployed. Here is a link to the story. Maybe someone knows of a solution to help?

http://www.ipsnews.net:80/news.asp?idnews=49256

Thanks for supporting our troops, door

Customs Forms Online

PastryChef86 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:52:21 GMT

I went to mail a care package on Saturday morning, and I had to fill out my customs form at the post office because I had run out at home (don't you hate that?). Well, when I put my box on the counter and asked for the form, the lady told me that the post office is moving towards doing all customs forms online. They apparently just started this push recently. Obviously we all have regular computer access, but what about those who don't? Has anyone else heard this from their post office people as well? She gave me a little booklet, so to speak, that apparently tells me how to fill this thing out online. I haven't checked it out. Anyone fill out all of their customs forms online? Am I just behind the times?

~Amy

Helping military children

blix — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:23:52 GMT

AnySoldier.com is my charity of choice....but I also support military children through Donorschoose.org. Teachers submit their projects for the general public to fund....click on "see projects" on the site and then click on "military children", where there is a list of projects in schools on military bases across the country.

But make sure to click on "Sales & Donations" on AnySoldier.com to donate here first !!! .....

Parcel Post?

Thea — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:35:49 GMT

I usually send my boxes via Priority Mail - is that a seperate deadline for Christmas mailings than parcel post?

Thanks!

Quilting Bee is Once Again Alive!

Deni Dax — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:08:11 GMT

Hello Junkies especially you Quilters.

The Quilting Bee is once again springing back to life. I received a box of quilting materials from Natascha (FIFQB queen bee). Natascha brought the Q Bee to life and I intend to breathe life back into it and carry on as best I can. She will be a hard one to fill shoes of, or in this case, expertise at getting those quilts made up and sent off to their recipients.

At this point give me time to look at what she sent, and see what quilts I need to finish off, etc. before we get rolling again. She did send a kitty of $57 to work with.

I'll be back...........