Folks, I have had a lot of requests that a checklist be given the troops to help them better request items.  As you will know, not all of our contacts are star writers, and leave out a lot of the information which would be helpful in supporting them.  Such as when they request 'sunglasses'...well, what type, what color, what...you name it.  And the often requested socks...what color, where to get them, etc...  We will also try to provide specific sources to where to get the items requested so you don't send them made in china junk when they need combat-capable items.

 One of the biggest problems is that the troops simply don't have the time when they apply to the web site to think of everything and write it on the form.  We will make the checklist available online so they can have a better idea of what to list, and how, so you can do a better job filling their requests.

Chrissy Boblits, board member and CFO of Any Soldier Inc. will be organizing this effort and posting here.

PLEASE, follow this thread (reply to this message, don't start another topic somewhere) and give us your suggestions.  SPECIFIC suggestions please, as vague is what we are trying to solve...  :)

Thanks!!

Marty & Chrissy,

I can see this rapidly becoming a mish-mash of confusion if we all post randomly.  Would it help if we started with categories where folks could add in their ideas?  I would propose these but feel free to adjust or dump this as you like:

1. Food

2.Clothing (to include hair accessories)

3. Hygiene (to include items like laundry needs, and cleaning supplies)

4. Entertainment- high tech and low tech (to include batteries, crafting, magazines, recreation such as workout gear, sporting equipment and supplements) 

5. Tactical

6. Dog gear (or other animal supplies)

7. Medical (first aid, medications, specific medical equipment)

8. Morale (holiday items, prizes, specific collections, religious, journals, toys for kids, reading for soliders's kids programs, candles, posters)

9. Bedding/linens (including curtains, rugs)

10. Misc. for items such as thermos, electrical converters, clothes hooks, mirror, flashlights

 Just a suggestion. 

Kathy

Kathy,

A good starting point.  One addition to me would seem helpful, that is having the children's program as an entirely separate item, and specify clothing / shoes, toys, candy, hygiene items, or school supplies.

Another category might be accessories for personal quarters:  clothes hooks, garbage bags, storage boxes, mirrors, rugs, etc.

Gran

Hi Marty and Chrissy,

If I were going to make one suggestion it would be to keep it simple.  A lot of those "not star writers" are also not star readers and some not only do not have the time to read something lengthy but also not the patience to do so.  I think the checklist should be an option but not a mandatory part of signing up or we will lose those who just do not have time/desire to read and/or fill out a lengthy form and that would be a shame.

 Rosemary

Kathy has a good list started.  I would add snacks, gum, candy, and drinks (hot cocoa, tea, powdered sports drinks, etc) under food, books (what kind - fiction, non-fiction, sci'fic, mysteries, action,etc) under entertainment, and tools. 

 Breaking catagories down into more choices so they don't have to think, just check boxes.  Does that work?

I can see where this could turn into a positive addition to the application if done correctly.  I for one would probably be too analytical and make it too detailed.  Make it fun, Chrissy. Hope you get lots of helpful suggestions on here.  Thanks Marty for starting this thread.

It would be nice to know, what I send out is really needed by the troops that I send to.   I have lots of books and magazines, and small travel size toiletries given to me and I like to get them to those folks who want them. 

thanks! this will be a great enhancement.

I've always wished for a "humanitarian" checkbox on the search page so I know whether to send stuff like clothes for the local kids.

Okay, I took a stab at one category.  Please see if this is what you're looking for.  I admit I chose an easy topic, with limited choices.

 CATEGORY:  DOG (MWD) GEAR

 breed of dog:

weight of dog:      lbs.

 Check items that you would find useful or fill in the blanks as you wish.  Add specific brands you favor.

___   fleece blanket (can be used by soldier if you get too many)

          or

___   dog bed

___   chew toys:   ___  large Kong,    ___  tough, heavy duty rubber,   ___  large nylabone

___   balls:    ___  tennis,    ___  small, hard rubber,   ___  large, hard plastic

___   other toys:     ___  frisbee,   ___  large rope tug toy

___   grooming items (list specific brands):   ___  nail clippers,   ___  brushes: ( __ nylon or __ metal bristles), 

         ___  de-shedding tool (i.e. Furminator),   ___  dog toothpaste,   ___  dog toothbrush,   ___  pet wipes,

        ___  dog shampoo: (__ flea or ___ regular),   ___  flea collar,   flea medicine (type:_____________ )

___   leash:     ___ leather,    ___ nylon,    ___ length

___   collar:    ___ leather,   ___ nylon,   other type:                                 ,    neck size:

___   dog goggles (i.e. doggles)

___   cool vest

___   dog boots:  size:

___   food or water bowls:   ___  collapsible,   ___  plastic,   ___  metal

___   treats:  ___  hard biscuits,   ___   soft chewies,   Specific brand:

___   food:   Specific brand:

___   food/treat storage container:   ___ metal can,   ___  plastic tub

 The following items are not recommended at this time:  Homemade treats, dog food/treats from China, Greenies (choking hazard), pork products, rawhide chews (choking hazard).  No small, cloth, squeaky toys unless asked for due to choking hazard.

I'm sure that I have left out some things.  Feel free to help out and modify the list or change the format as needed.

Kathy

Marty & Chrissy,

Sounds like a great idea.  Thanks for your efforts on this. 

I would like to see some specifics when they ask for food.  I try to send "healthy" stuff if not specified, but if they want pop tarts or chips, I would like to know.

SNACKS:

______ Single Serve Bagged Peanuts                ______ Nutrigrain Cereal Bars

______ Granola Bars                                        ______ Slim Fast Bars

______ Microwave Ready Mac-n-Cheese            ______ Microwave Pop Corn 

______ Single Serve Bagged Pretzels                ______ Dried Fruit

______ Big Bag of Tortilla Chips                        ______ Spicy Salsa   or     Mild Salsa

______ Pop Tarts                                            ______ Protein Bars

 Also, some specifics on hygiene items would help.  I mean if the contact has no hair, they don't need shampoo right?

PERSONAL HYGIENE  ITEMS:

______ Male Deodorant                               ______ Female Deodorant

______ Unscented Body Wash                    ______ Male Body Wash

______ Female Body Wash                         ______ Dandruff Shampoo

______ Dry Hair Moisturizing Shampoo         _______ Moisturizing Conditioner

______ Toothpaste                                       _______ Toothbrush

______ Dental Floss                                    ______ Acne Treatment Face Wash

______ Body Soap Bar                                 _______ Lotion

______ Female Razors                              ______ Male Razors

Best,
 

For those Marines requesting books from the Marine Corps Reading list, it would help to know for which rank.  It's hard deciding which books to send them, not knowing if the ranks go from privates and up or if the unit is made up of NCOs and officers.

I just want to echo what was written above. somehow, it does need to be kept relatively simple. Even if the USE of it is easy (i.e. checking boxes) the time it takes to read it might end up not helping the cuase so to speak. I know I hate even reading long forms, even if a checkbox and I am a detailed person (ironic, I know)

So, where some examples get very detailed, my two cents is just to find the highest common "denominator" of sorts: meaning don't get down to Brand names, becuase then you will always have to have an other category, and then they would have to type anyway:)  especially when talking about protein bars or cigars , etc

You have your work cut out for you, but if done right it will probably be a wonderful addition.  good luck!

I think the only categories that truly require a long checklist are Tactical Items and Clothing Items.  Perhaps each one could appear initially on the application as a single question:

Do you need tactical items?  Yes __  No __

Do you need clothing?  Yes __   No __

Anyone who doesn't need these can skip them, or answer no.  If someone answers yes, then the detailed checklist pops up.

I would also make some of the existing questions a little more specific:

Do you want/need cookware, utensils, or dinnerware? 

[If you have 220 volt electricity]  Do you need converters to 110? 

Kathy,

please, when You get to coffee:  Regular or Decaf.  

                                               Beans, Grounds or Instant. 

                                               Regular flavor or Flavored coffee

                                               Regular creamer or Flavored creamer

                                               Filters: Round or Cone #

Thank You.

With the question of electricity ....adapters or converters and adapters

 Also for clothes approx size.

Thank you 

K, here's my 1 cent worth : )

First, I totally agree some kind of list/direction is great and would be very helpful to me in supporting my groups and to the contacts for getting more specific support in return! Love the idea!

Second, I like Kathy's list of categories and the addition of stuff for Locals.

Third, I am in agreement that too much detail will negate the benefit for the contact and maybe even keep us from getting that random beautiful strange request : ) I am hoping that monthly updates don't turn into checklists : (

My suggestion.... contacts would get the checklist on initial sign up only with a special note that anything additional they write is a blessing too!....... then the list ..... categories with broad subplots and a optional open line for specific requests. For example...

Food:

Portable (ie granola bars, indiv wrapped) ________space for special requests

Add water only _______

Full microwavable meals/canned food ________

Cooking apparatus (ie microwave, coffee maker, filters, bowls)________

Next Category:

and so on.

Thanks for the great addition and letting us have input Marty and Chrissy!

Shelly

ps... don't know if it's appropriate, but i always wished to get more info on the individuals in the units like names and home towns... maybe an optional categorie on Home Town Love?

I like the idea of a check-list at sign on for the contacts. We can always scroll down to refer back to it, and if there is a change the contact can simply update us in his future posts...ie..if they have enough of something but need more of something else.

I think food allergies should be listed to....ie....letting us know if there is a "nut allergy" in the group. My son has nut allergies and although he is very cautious and reads labels I know I would want to be able to send something nut free for him.

Maybe on the food list it could be as simple as what are your favorite snacks and the contact could fill in the specifics.

Maybe in the toiletry area simply asking, roll ons, sticks, gels, etc...

Soaps: body wash or bars

Toothpaste: Gels, tubes,

Sizes: travel, or regular

Female specific item preference

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