Hello all,

 I've been sending packages through anysoldier.com for a few months now, but just signed up for the forum.

I'm very proud and happy to send as many packages as I can afford to our troops abroad.  My wife and I get (I'm not kidding) about 15 different magazines a month (sidenote: the way I see it, if you buy the magazine from the newstand more than 2 or 3 times per year you might as well get a subscription) and we're happy to send those out each month to our troops abroad.  In addition I usually send an additional package or 2 each month with hot weather stuff like baby powder, sunscreen, diaper rash cream (great for heat rash too), deodorant, stuff like that.  Even though I've only gotten 1 letter back (I totally understand the hundreds of reasons why they wouldn't/couldn't write back, I'll contine to send anyway) I'm always open for specific requests (diaper rash cream in the most recent case...)

 

Anysoldier.com is an EXCELLENT idea, and online resource. I applaud both the people who setup and maintain this site and the brave soldiers who sign up for it.

 

thanks again for helping me to help you

 

-Dan Finnegan

New York, NY
 

Welcome aboard Dan.

 Are you including a self-addressed envelope in your packages? Over the course of a year I've gotten approximately 50 percent thank you letters or emails. I've discovered women are especially good about them and for whatever reason, Marines are great about thank yous too. Not, as you pointed out, that that's the reason we support them all, but it is such a rush to get to feel like you're part of the team.
 

hi Dan and welcome!  My experience is similar to yours. I have been sending packages for about 2 or 3 years , and probably send 2 or 3 a month. In any case I would say I have sent probably between 50 to 100 packages. I have gotten emails back from about 5, only one of whom continued in contact. I have received less than 10 letters back snail mail. I have at times included either a self addressed postcard and or envelope and have never received any of those back.   I am so envious of the posters here who are in almost constant contact. Whichever way it goes, I do believe from reading the posts, it is all appreciated and makes a difference.

Welcome Dan

It's great to have you. I glad you understand that you may not also get a answer to you gift. I had one that I sent boxes to that I never heard from then about a year later I received a long letter telling me thnk you. he said he took what little down time he had to write to his family and waited till got home to write he supporters.

Becky 

Hi,

 

I haven't been using any soldier very long, but I have sent out care packages and lots of letters and I've gotten more response from the guys than the gals.  Both letters and email.  I have a couple that send emails pretty regularand through a random pick I got a letter back from a young man who lives a few miles from me.  He was so excited.  There have been a lot I haven't heard anything back from but hey we are supporting them and they have a lot going on.  It still is so satisfying to know that we can make a difference for them from home

 

Kirsten

Welcome Dan,

 I, too have sent many packages and have received a few responses but I like what anysoldier states: "like they are busy doing other things"... also, too they just may be shocked that total strangers would do this and are just too shy to respond. Please keep up the good work! You know all those address labels you get from every charity?? I place them on each item in a box and should someone take the time to respond, then they get the next box.

I am new to the forum as well and have gotten some great ideas.

 

thats awesome your sending items to soldiers. we need more people like you in the world. i am in the military and wanted to send things out to other military members. i have tons of friends deployed right now and i send them care packages. i just want to do more for them. thank you !!!

 

krissy andis

Hi Dan.  I'm from Staten Island.  I've been a 'Junkie' for about 2 years.  It's great and we are all glad to have you on board.

If you'd like to increase your chances of correspondence, provide an email address.  I use a hotmail address.  Ask them to put 'Any Soldier' in the subject line.  There's a good chance that their email will end up in your junkmail folder, so check it at least every other day and look for that subject line.  It works for me!  These folks are very busy and don't have time to write.  But many have some internet access and can find a minute or two to send a few lines in an email.

Don't be too dissapointed if you don't get a response.  It's wonderful to have contact, but our purpose to to help in any way we can.  I think I speak for all of us that just getting something in the mail to them, whether it's a package of something or a simple letter or card, makes us feel like lottery winners! 

Wecome to our happy family!

Hey, welcome to the forum, Krissy.  Since you are in the military yourself, you probably know better than many what sorts of things are helpful when sent.  It's great to have you join us here.  I hope you will share some tips with the rest of us!