I think we need to support, but not hurt. We have not forgoten people over there, but you can kill yourself, trying to back every cause, and many people do other things locally, like the childrens shelters, batterered women's shelters. Sometimes your heart can get so wrapped up in supporting things that you lose sight of yourself. Quote from my father, "Kid, (even though I am 47) the war costs 12 billion a month this year, you are not going to fund it in a week." After I was telling him about all my boxes. And he is right. Someone here posted some rules or thoughts and they are good ones. Write/send when you are comfortable and remember, other people are trying to do so too. If you feel you are writing too much then add another contact into your rotation. If you feel you are spending too much, then cut back and send a smaller box for a couple of months. The awesome supporters on here, have suggested many avenues of getting free things. One suggestion I got from someone else, is to take a walking tour of something in your town, or a play ground and write them about it and take pictures. Like a museum, or a mall, or the zoo. The pictures and your descriptions can make for a fun read.
I am going to say something that may not go over well...but Have FUN!
I know the war is serious, the people are in danger, but they know it too, and they don't want to gloom and doom, they want to feel a part of life and hapiness.
Just my 2 cents