Do you guys know -- I can't believe we can only send dark brown, dark green military style blankets/coverlets/throws, BUT are there guidelines?  (I mean, besides common sense, which for some people is debatable, you know!!)  So a bright red blanket or a shocking pink or something is okay or is that really outside the bounds??  Because I'm seeing some things on clearance, but then I hesitated.  Or -- (isn't nice how I ask and answer all at the same time) -- do you try to pry an answer out of your contact, which by that time it will be springtime anyway? 

Thanks in advance. 

(I seem to have a couple dollars burning a hole in the proverbial pocket, so help me before I spend it in error!! )

Pan

Hi, Pan.

First, welcome aboard, we are happy to have you with us!

Second, I have sent several blankets of various colors and have never heard that there was an issue with the colors.  If it is for soldiers at KOP or otherwise out in the open, I would stay away from bright colors and stick with dark colors.  For guys & gals living in combat housing units (CHUs), pretty much anything goes!  My little medic buddy LOVES pink, I sent her a pink camouflage print comforter and sheet set (got it online from Target, in case anyone wants to know!) and she LOVES it!!!  I have sent navy blue, royal blue, green, yellow, brown, plaid blankets.  As long as it's warm, I don't think anyone really cares what color it is.

Go spend that $$$ before you get a hole in your pocket!

I haven't come across any evidence of actual rules related to bedding colors.  The main constraints seem to be physical conditions, laundry service,  and personal tastes.

Physical conditions - Many soldiers are living in environments where everything gets very dirty.  We never send white.

Laundry service - the quality of the laundry service varies, some seem to be pretty bad, so any thing really nice is likely to get treated badly.  Also, I have seen a few references to services that don't accept anything red, I forget why.

Personal tastes - A lot of the guys prefer conservative colors.  My impression is that most of the women prefer anything but.  The occasional exception seems to be females (esp marines) living in harsh combat conditions who feels the need to be seen as "one of the guys," especially if the female is the only one or one of a very few females in her unit.

Generally, I don't send any "creative" bedding out blind...that is, not without having had prior communication with the contact that gives me some idea of their circumstances and preferences.

Oh, no, not at all -- I can't for a minute imagine sending a white blanket.  What I have already sent were more of the "throw" type, very softy, so nice to snuggle, but I really can't believe they are really warm.  And that was more of a plain gray/silvery type or a more dull blue color.  

I was just wondering when I see these others on sale at a truly good price -- plus, I worried with bright colors about running in the wash -- so wanted to send a comfort item, but also a little bit of practical, too.   

Pan

I have sent all but red it bleeds on other items. I had one of my guys ask for Sponge Bob and Bat Man sheets. It seems mine at least like" The crazier the better" per them.

Becky

Pan,

I ALWAYS wash any blankets or sheets I send before mailing them.  Another AS junkie told me she packs hers in a plastic bag with a scented dryer sheet so that they are soft, clean, sweet smelling and ready to use as soon as the soldier gets it.

Just a suggestion...

I just "cleaned out" all the 1.99 fleece throws at 3 of the many area Walgreens here. Most of them are sort of lime green.....I wanted to send them to those poor guys in the mountains in Afghanistan.  Do you think I shouldn't, since I think those guys might be outdoors?

Thanks,

Karen

Karen,

Could they tuck them inside sleeping bags maybe??  And what a great/smart idea to wash them before sending, too!!

Pan

Pan,

I thought maybe they would be ok to tuck into their sleeping bags. I guess I can send them. I don't think they are "glow in the dark".  I'm sure anything warm will be appreciated.

Thanks, Karen