Junkies -- CPT Johnny Wandasan (U.S. Army/Philippines) 7 males/1 female, just posted today (8/22/08). 

He's asking for our help with their humanitarian outreach to the "impoverished and hard-to-reach citizens" on the island on which they are stationed. 

"....multivitamins (for kids and adults), soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste .....small packaged snacks .....Hygiene and easy-prep food items would be greatly appreciated, as these will be packaged up and delivered via airdrop, in small packages."

He also says "We always seem to run out of paper towels, toilet paper, and sani-wipes (baby wipes)." 

Can we help?

Thanks, gang!

--Marilyn

Thanks for posting this one Marilyn.

Ann

Marilyn:

He also says "We always seem to run out of paper towels, toilet paper, and sani-wipes (baby wipes)." 

Can we help?

 Anyone know where there's a sale on good ole American TP this weekend?  Sounds like CPT Wandasan and his crew could use some of the stuff and I haven't seen any on sale around here.  Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks, Ann

As a matter of fact, Rite-Aid has TP on sale this week but it is the big packages...and you can get a rebate which makes it even cheaper.  Wonder if you could buy the big package and then stick individual rolls in ziploc bags.    If I think of any more places, I'll be sure to post them here :-)

Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out.  Sounds like these folks could use some paper products and baby wipes as well as lots of things for the kiddies:)

Ann

Hi there shoppers,

Costco has a package of 45 (?) individually wrapped toilet paper for around $16-18.  They are two-ply and I think 400 sheets per roll.  Aren't my details just grand?  It is Kirkland brand.

Vicki 

Thanks for the shopping tips folks - paper package being mailed  to CPT Johnny this week if I can figure out how to get this stuff into those big FRBs.  Anyone have any ideas. 

I don't usuually need to use the FRBs so I don't have a whole lot of experience with them.  Usually use the bigger 12" box.  This smaller 5" tall one  - well let's just say I could use some advice here.  Didn't realize TP needed such squishing down to fit it into the FRB?????

Happy packing,

Ann

Ann -- just for grins -- before you go the FRB/squish the TP route -- check the USPS calculator -- http://postcalc.usps.gov/ -- and see what the cost would be to ship parcel.  I bet you could ship a lot of TP in one of those paper ream boxes with lids, and TP doesn't weigh that much, I would think -- so the cost might be close to an FRB -- and the TP wouldn't be squished

What do you think?

--Marilyn

Marilyn - you're a genius - now - what's a paper ream box.  Oh - got it.  Just checked the calculator - I can ship lots more TP for LESS than Flat Rate - OK - now I am reeeaaallly happy this morning. 

AND worried - see what makes an Any Soldier Junkie Happy!!!!

Thanks Marilyn  I just happen to have a paper box sitting here too.  Now - where to put the paper - hmmmm.

Ann

Edit: Thanks again Marily.  Serious packin n'wrap time.  Lots more TP to go into the paper box so 'talk' to you later. 

Sooooooooo happy to help!!!!

And Johnny & the gang will be DEEE-lighted

Junkies ROCK!!!

Go TEAM!

--Marilyn

Sorry for monopolizing here folks - one more question - dumb one I knmow but what can I say.

TP is packaged 9 to a cello wrap.  Can I take it out of the big cello bag and  zip bag a couple of rolls together or does that violate the factory sealed rule?  Anyone know? 

The big cello bags don't fit - even squished!!!!!! - in the paper box without reeeaaaaallly distorting the box. 

Who knew TP could be so cantankerous - so picky about it's flight accomodations - gee whiz!!!

Thanks,

Ann

Hi -- I had a couple conversations with Tammy (from the Movie Night thread) about this kind of thing.  I think, given that it's TP, I say -- go ahead and zip lock it! 

--Marilyn

Greetings Everyone,

Thank you very much again for your support.  My inspiration for starting this project comes from a project that a friend, fellow officer, and hero had started during my last tour in Iraq.  Some of you may know her - MAJ Tammy Duckworth.  She has such a big heart, and in my mind, embodies the definition of humanitarianism and genuine care.

In Iraq, MAJ Duckworth would prepare "candy bombs" for delivery via helo air drop, all over the country that her unit's missions would take them.  This is something that I would like to replicate by, through and with the air support of the local military here.  There are many hard to reach places in this area, and providing air drop of much-appreciated and much-needed health, hygiene, and food items will help the communities to know that they are not forgotten and that their country really does care about them.

Items that you send will be combined with the items that the local military and government have provided, in a joint-effort in reaching the people that really need, and could really benefit from, our efforts.

Thank you all, once again, for your kindness and support.  I will be posting some success stories in the future; this project may take a while to gain momentum as it is only in the birthing stage, and its continuation is heavily dependent on the resources and drive of all parties involved.

Warmest regards,

Johnny

Hello CPT Wandasan and Welcome to the Any Soldier Forum.  Thank you for joining us and Thank you for all you do for our country.. 

I think you will find that your supporters may have lots of questions for you:)     Hmmm - .  What kinds of snacks would you like us to send?  I am just finishing a hygiene package and would like to follow it up with a snack package for your 'candy bomb' program. 

Would you like a true candy package or a more healthy snack type content?

Hope all is well with you and your Team.

God Bless and Stay Well,

Ann

Hi, CPT!!!  Welcome, welcome!  So nice to see you here   And, oh yeah -- this is a GREAT mission you've taken on.  We're proud to be a part of this one!! 

A box of hygiene-type items and one of food & vitamins are on their way to you --

AND, I just thought of something -- I'm already seeing Halloween candy in the stores   Big bags of individual little bags of candy for trick or treat!!!  HAH!  Sounds like just the thing for candy bombs, I'm thinking!! 

Time for shopping

--Marilyn