I got several heartwarming emails a while ago.  I have been making it a habit to mail sheets and such to some of my guys since the military does not provide these things.  As I'm traveling through Walmart, I see the lightweight fleece throws for $4.98---------these were the 50X70 ones.  So a bright idea forms.......why not sent the throws as a bedspread of sorts.  It is very light weight and easy to pack........So I purchase some sheet sets, matching throws and I pack away.  I get an email about a week later....."I needed sheets and low and behold you sent sheets!"  Several guys connected to my guys wrote to me just blown away that I would send sheets.  So every few weeks I send sheets and throws. Now my all knowing teen says, "Excuse me Mom, It's hot over there!?!"  My guy says they love the throws in that at night they tend to crank up the air as high as it can go and these are just right for them.  So, my guy writes the other day about how neat it is to do room inspections and to see the matching sheets and throws.  He says, "I just washed and put the sheets in my bed from your last shipment. What an improvement over my previous "Navy Issue" ones that felt a lot
like cardboard. (He has sheets because he is the Chief.  Most don't have sheets) It's great when I'm doing room inspections on the guys,I see your color coordinated sheet and blanket sets on several of the guys bed. It looks like Martha Stewart infiltrated our wire and has gotten to the barracks."
The problem now is that I can't find the thows for a cheap price. The cheapest I can find of the larger size was 9.99 at Penneys.  I paid it because this shipment was in memory of my best friend's dad.  She requested I do this instead of sending a floral arrangement.  Isn't that special? 

 Okay, I gotta run.  Duty calls.  I am new to this forum, not new to anysoldier, but this is really getting addictive.  Thanks Marty for your hard work keeping this going.

All of our sheets and throws have gone to a couple of hospitals and a clinic, so we can't afford to send any to the individuals - wish we could.

Gran

I love sending sheets and pillowcases too. I think it's because clean sheets would be my No. 1 request if I were serving overseas. I got the nicest thank you letter last fall from a 20-year-old female soldier from Wisconsin who said she'd slept through the night for the first time since she'd been in Iraq. No one has ever made me feel better about gift than that compliment did. I think if I had unlimited resources, I'd empty the local Linens and Things and Bed, Bath and Beyonds.

Doesn't it give you just the warmest fuzzies when you get a response like that? I would love to have a whole boatload fo money to spend on anysoldier.

Not sure if anyone shops at Domestications online, but thought I would pass on that they are having their great sale where things are either buy one get one free or buy one get one 50% off. They have their jersey knit sheet sets starting at $8.99. If you haven't used the jersey knits yet, they get softer with each wash. I'm not sure what types of bedding material can be sent overseas, but thought I'd pass it on. They also have a few of their throw blankets on sale.....you can get fleece blankets 2 for $19.99 or thermal blankets Buy one get one 50% off (price is $19.99). Happy shopping! 

 

http://www.domestications.com

 

Thank you so much!! I'll give it a try.  I have used them before for personal stuff, but never for soldier stuff..........Thanks........you gotta love this site......

Take away lesson...when the winter stuff goes on clearance in the summer, jump on it, and vice versa for summer stuff.  It will be very hard to get more at the clearance prices for another looong year.

If you can sew a straight line, or know someone who can, and have a sewing machine, or know someone who does, you might check the fabric stores.  The one I shop (JoAnn) seems to keep some fleece on the shelves year round, and all you need to do is hem it.  And it might well still be selling at summer prices.

I have thought about sewing them.  I do sew but my plate is full right now, I don't know if I have the extra time, but that is a thought.......thanks

I wonder if one could just serge the edges of the fleece to make blankets?

Mary

Mary,

Definitely, or with a blanket stitch on a multi-stitch sewing machine, but keep in mind that fleece is so expensive that it might be better to look for sales.

Gran

Anyone else have a Big Lots closeout store? We have them here in NY. They have fleece throws 46x63 in both solids and prints. And they're only $4 each!

I was lucky last year to find Fleece throws for $5 last year at Century 21 and sent a bunch to a few of 'my' soldiers.  I'm on the lookout now for pre-season sales.  I've also found some good finds at drug stores too.  You may not be able to get a lot, but even buying 2 or 3 can help.

I've never sent sheets.  Twin size?  or do you get the collge dorm ones, if you can find them?

I have found great prices on sheets at Bed Bath and Beyond $9.99 and you can use a 20% off coupon.

Target has had some on their clearance shelf at times for 6.99

Our local Kohl's had them for $7.99 this past week .  Did not have any twin's size left.  Everyone must be buying up

the twin size for their colelge kids.  Lot's of good deals out there - just need to always keep on the lookout for the

"Good Deals".   

I usually get the twin at Walmart.  Regular price is usually a $7-$8.  I have found some at Target on sale as well.  I like the Walmart colors.

Free Spirit:

If you can sew a straight line, or know someone who can, and have a sewing machine, or know someone who does, you might check the fabric stores.  The one I shop (JoAnn) seems to keep some fleece on the shelves year round, and all you need to do is hem it.  And it might well still be selling at summer prices.

Actually, fleece doesn't have to be hemmed as it won't ravel (unless you are talking about sweatshirt material) - so you can just buy the fleece and use it as it for blankets - that's what I do for my young daughter as her tastes change.  JoAnn frequently puts their fleece on sale or you can get on their mailing list and use the 40%off coupon on a single cut of fabric.