Hi guys

I am going to send some requested boxers to a group of my guys. My question is this, if I leave them in the bags, I can't get the number I want to send in the box, but if I open them I wonder if they think they are used or something. I sort of toyed with the idea of washing them and placing them in zip bags to retain the fabric softener smell, but I don't know. I would of course put a note in there explaining they were new washed, but what do you think? I have never sent undergarments for guys -well, a group of guys this big. *G* Just wondered what you all do??

Thanks for the help in this. In a quandry over nothing...

Heidi

Heidi Hello!

If this is a group you have been sending to for a while and they don't have a laundry go ahead and wash them with a note

If this is a relatively new group with a laundry send them new in the wrapper.

Dark colors are preferred.

Hope this helps, door

Heidi,

My 2 cents worth:  I always leave them in the bag because they aren't close relatives, and either send what will fit my FRB or get a box that will fit them and send them parcel post.

Gran

Hey guys, thanks for the input. these are guys that I have been supporting for about 4 months. They have absolutely nothing. no running water, and what water they do have is contaminated with human waste so it is not usable for anything. The only electricity they have is off a little generator they found and fixed up. (doesn't always run) I think maybe I will just send it in original packaging in a bigger box. How much can mens underwear cost to ship after all!!! *G*

Thanks again.

Heidi

Heidi:

...they have absolutely nothing. no running water, and what water they do have is contaminated with human waste so it is not usable for anything.

I think those who must endure filth would view anything new and clean as a kindness.  If you eliminated excess packaging for a non-consumable in order to allow more of them to receive something clean against their skin, or chose to wash a garment to remove the fabric sizing, knowing that they would not have that ability in the field - I believe they would recognize and appreciate your tender care.  Do as you will, but tell them your quandary, tell them you struggled wanting to give them best, and have them understand you meant good and right; write the note and tell them  

Heidi,

Keep in mind also that after cotton clothing is washed and dried (fluffed) it often plumps the fibers up, making them more voluminous, thus requiring more room in the package.

Gran

Gran, your note made me chuckle. We AS junkies do try to get our money's worth on postage, don't we?

From a male point of view I would say wash them and let them know.  I won't wear anything new that I don't wash.  If my memory serves me right we had to wash everything in boot camp before we were allowed to wear it so my feelings may just be a hold over from days gone by.

And if they don't really have anywhere to wash clothes then haveing new soft undies will definately be appreciated.  And from what I have read the baggies will be a plus if they go outside the wire for a couple of days.  A great way to keep things dry out on a mission.

Jon

Thanks! I sent them off, but as of yet, have not heard anything about them. I am hoping thats a good thing! *G*

Heidi

JoCee Hello!

I don't know how much or little poly is acceptable.

Unless someone knows I would say don't send them to soldiers in harms way. When t - shirts were discussed the concensus was that burn wounds are worse with poly and less with cotton.

Give the poly underwear to a charity.

We have been known to buy a whole clearence rack when $1 or $2 a 3 pack.

We give new white underwear to the soup kitchen in Lincoln Nebraska where many homeless gather to stay warm in the winter and they always welcome new underwear and socks.

The dark colors we send to our troops.

That way we are helping Vets abroad and also here at home.

Veterans clear back from WWII are still suffering from the memories of conflict.

We can make a difference for them by just being there willing to listen when they need to talk.

There are many ways for us to help. 

If we become educated in what helps them with their PTSD we will be able to guide our friends to some resolution or relief.

Be mindful of the variety of America's many beautiful cultures.

Native American soldiers suffer just as much as any but they had sweat lodges in their culture to exercise their demons. Some have told me that saved them while their comrades drank themselves to death.

Different cultures have different methods. If we find a variety then we will be able to offer a spectrum of help.

If any of your soldiers mention PTSD please contact me to talk and I will share what I have found and am still searching.

Blessings, door

Hi Heidi,

I always wash things before sending them ever since Ang told us about the guys' feet turning an awful color from socks that hadn't been washed first.  And yes, they will fluff up and 'want' to take up more space.  I found that if I put them in a zip lock baggie, leave only a small part 'unzipped' and then sit on the bag, all the air goes out and it's flat.  Seal that small opening and viola, it looks as though I used a vacuum to get the air out.  I always include a letter with the stuff & let the guys know I washed it first.  Never had a complaint yet.  In fact, I've even been thanked for washing the stuff first.  Hope that helps.  Oh and yes, stay away from polyester....it does makes burns worse.  Also, in case you haven't seen it, certain fabric softeners leave a residue behind that if flame touches the material, it will burn faster than material without the softener.

Sharon