I work at a university where many of the faculty and staff attend conferences and conventions held at hotels. I have posted a request in our newsletter that they bring the unused travel-size toiletry items back with them, rather than leaving them behind. Many are happy to do so since they take up little space in their luggage when it is checked. Some hotels use really great products like Bath and Body Works, and I can send these items (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, even mouthwash and toothpaste) to units who request the smaller sizes. Some soldiers also prefer the travel sizes because they walk to and from a shower area in mud or bad weather. Most universities have staff organizations that might be of help if you do not have a contact there, or you can call a department directly and ask for help.

That's a good idea!!  We aren't far from Chapel Hill....I may ask around with some staff and whoever....thanks...now I can quit my scheme of staying a night in a cheap hotel and doing a "resupply" from the cleaning lady's cart...

Good idea. I've been told that, in addition, the travel sizes are great for when they go on a mission ... as they can't fit that much stuff in their packs/vehicles. My tip ... when I buy travel-size Gold Bond foot powder or baby powder ... I buy two.

I pry off the top and dump the second bottle  inside the first. They are half empty ... and as long as there is some air left in the bottle when you fill it .. the product will still shake out. I am always looking for ways to fit "more stuff" inside the box and was thrilled when I figured out this. In addition, the soldier will have twice as much powder and won't run out so fast.

Not all can accept gifts which appear to have been opened, whether they be food or hygiene products.

I work at a Hampton Hotel and I can't steal from work but I can tell you TAKE everything that is sample size from the hotel.  They refill everyday, if you take it.  Make sure you do this on your up coming vacations. 

Also a way to get some 'travel size' items.  Hotels keep things on hand like toothpaste, deorderant, shave cream, extra soap and shampoos for example.  Ask them for  stuff even if YOU don't need it.  YOU know someone who does.   Don't ask for litk 5 of each.  Just one every time you stay starts to add up for your packages. 

Another thing, if the place you are staying at has a breakfast in the morning.  Notice the Oatmeal and travel size Cerals.  And the Tea's with creamers and sugars.  They are all there for people to take whatever they want. 

 GOOD LUCK just some bright ideas

It is indeed a good idea. But do be sure to send it to a unit that wants small sizes. I have seen some complaints in AnySoldier posts about travel sized items they have received and did not want. Other units request them.

Also, be very sure to sort through all of your donations to be certain that what is eventually packed and sent is fresh, unopened and has never been used. You would be surprised by what some people donate. I gathered tons - literally - of goods for Katrina victims and was horrified by some of what was dropped off, both in terms of clothing and in personal care items. I had no idea how many people had large collections of products they had taken from hotels until they started to drop by to give them to us. The unfortunate part was, so much was partially used.

Nobody wants half empty bottles of hotel mouthwash, unwrapped and used travel sized toothbrushes or small tubes of toothpaste. And, they certainly don't want bars of soap that have been used by someone else, no matter how lovely smelling or costly. Yet I was given a lot of just such things by the nicest looking people. What were they thinking? 

Sarah H:

Nobody wants half empty bottles of hotel mouthwash, unwrapped and used travel sized toothbrushes or small tubes of toothpaste. And, they certainly don't want bars of soap that have been used by someone else, no matter how lovely smelling or costly. Yet I was given a lot of just such things by the nicest looking people. What were they thinking? 

Probably the same thing the woman who mailed a box of "donations" to me for my soldiers....shipped it Priority Mail no less...probably cost her a fortune to mail and I couldn't use any of it...what little there was that wasn't already partially used was expired.  

rosemary   

 

sorry to go slightly off topic, but to add to the amazement.. my neighbors donated magazines galore - sounds good right?  can you believe I got tons that were from 2001!!! - 2006!! I asked for no more than 3 months current.. oh my who keeps magazines for 7 years??

They made it to my garbage safely  lol

ok back to topic.. great idea about the toiletries.. indeed be sure the unit has asked for it,,

For Travel size items We use...

For Large Bulk quanties: http://www.federatedcares.com  The Cheapest prices anywhere...

For Smaller quanties:  http://www.minimus.com  Retail & Wholesale Bulk Pricing

Please this is not a Solicitation...just a suggestion as we (VVA 681) have purchased from them for years for VA Hospitals and now the Sand Box...

Respectfully submitted...

WOW! I just checked Federated prices and THEY ARE THE BEST!! Please post elsewhere on the site since it will will help many. Thanks for the link!

WOW is right! Great prices at Federated!