Ok everyone ~ so I sent out 4 boxes today. This was the first time I have done this =]  it was kinda nerve racking, due to me not having custom forms filed out already. But the clerk was such a sweetheart, he gave me 4 forms and said take your time [meanwhile the line was outrageous]. He gave me a handful of custom forms & address labels to keep [BELIEVE me I will have them ready the next round]. He was such a help [i hope I get him again]! 

I think I might have overdid it with the tape, but he said it was ok. How much tape do yous use? When you send a box to a person do yous send to all of them? Like if it says 5 males and 4 females (do you send enough for 9 people). We made up "valentine goodie bags" for the 49 soldiers (20, 15, 10 & 4). Any help is better than none =]  Thanks ..... Maddy

Hello Maddy!

Congrats on your first mailing! 

I can give you my perspective, but being relatively new to Any Soldier (AS) I am no expert.  I hope others will chime in as well.  I had been sending Soldier Care packages through another Soldier Support group prior to coming to AS.

I typically use USPS flat rate boxes because they are so well made and can stand up to a whole lot of abuse.  And, yes, I use the self seal thingys on the USPS flat rate boxes and I also use some clear packing tape to add a little reinforcement. The only time I don't use a USPS flat rate box is if we send pillows and then I use a high quality box  purchased for mailing bulky items and I use lots of packing tape as well.  I do not mind buying an occasional mailing box because most of the time I am using the free USPS boxes.

We keep a supply of customs slips with me as I write down everything on the customs slip as we put items in the box, that way nothing gets left off of the customs slip.  Mr. Buckeye is the master box packer.

Because each AS contacts' living & working environments can vary greatly I gear what I send according to their AS info.  I also regularly read the AS Forum here to learn more about what are good ideas and stuff to stay away from.  For example, I learned by reading the AS Forum that my AS contacts in Afghanistan probably have their packages air lifted to them and as gently as possible dropped to them, which meant I needed to pack really well so stuff would make it to them in one piece.

I also read here about others who may be supporting the same AS contact and if they have recently sent a big bunch of something, I know to send them something else.

Whether I send to the whole group will depend on if they tend to be all in one place or spread out because of missions. Also, storage can be an issue for some AS contacts.

Hope this helps.

Best,  

Hi Maddy

Congrats on your first mailing! How exciting!

As to how I send stuff, I also use the flat rate boxes for the most part. I also have a supply of customs forms that fill out ahead of time. Now, I TRY to fill them out as I go along, but I usually forget and have to rely on my reciepts. I keep them out because I know how I am with that stuff. Anyway, If I have a large group that I am supporting, I try to send what I can. I had one that was for 100 folks, but I couldn't afford that much stuff to send, so I just sent what I could. I have since tried to support smaller groups, that way I can send to all of them. That is just my way of doing it, there is no right or wrong way! Anything is appreciated. I have a group of 5 and a group of 11 currently, and that is pretty easy for me to send stuff out about every month. You will find your own flow and what feels reight to you as you get into it. I hope that helps! Happy supporting!

Heidi

Welcome Maddy.

For taping the boxes, first I make certain nothing can shift around inside. I try to pack just full enough that I have to press down to seal the box, but all the edges meet and the box doesn't bulge. I'll pack and unpack a box a few times to get it right. If you need to fill space: shower poofs and travel packs of baby wipes for hygiene packages; peanut tubes for food packages; socks and beanie baby type toys for either. I use clear tape (and I buy the expensive stuff because I'm pretty neurotic about just about everything). I wrap tape completely around the center in both directions, then over all the edges so nothing can get caught in the machines. I also make sure the tape crosses one side of the address label but that there is no tape where the meter tape (stamp) goes. I always include a card or letter inside the box and try to remember (but often forget) to write the name and address of the recipient on the envelope I put the card/letter in just in case the box gets damaged badly enough that the address label is destroyed. As someone said in one of the old threads: "I tape it like it's going into a war zone because it IS going into a war zone."

I order all my supplies (except the tape) online and they are delivered to my door in a week or two at no charge. I get a case Flat Rate Boxes, 50 customs forms, 50 sleeves for the customs forms, 50 priority labels and a roll of priority stickers at a time. About 2/3 of my packages go out in FRBs.

How one gives support is a very individual thing, both for the supporter and for the troops. I don't think there can be a right or a wrong way. How I support a group depends on the size, what their needs are, and how much help I'm getting from friends, family and co-workers. I try to stay with a group as long as they are listed. For about half my groups my regular packages will be for one person (or one+best buddy), then for special occasions (ranging from holidays to "it's gonna get *@#* freezing/hot out there") I'll try to organize something for everyone in each group. I'll have one group at a time that's "gear oriented." They get specific, requested items as finances allow and the rest of the time it's just letters and pictures.

Keep in mind, that no matter what I've sent, those that have written back to me have commented most on the letters and pictures. When I first started doing this, I thought that writing letters was to fill my need and the things I sent were to fill their needs, but I'm starting to think that I've had it backwards. Sure, they need stuff, and they need the right stuff, but it's knowing how much we care that helps keep them safe.

jo

Thanks for giving me your advice / help. Every bit helps =)

The advice is here is so very good, I just wanted to add something about the numbers of things sent.  I've been writing into field for a few years and have had both ongoing correspondence and the experience of writing (sending) into the great void - and I've taken turns on how I choose a group and how I've handled my selection. I've spend entire Tax Returns, I've saved household funds in a little jar (still do that), and have had periods where it's only letters.  I've choosen group size where (I could manage) a box sent for the number of warriors listed.  I've also packed single boxes, very nicely appointed, and sent it to that AnySoldier among a huge group and done the same with letters.  So, I'll say - I have learned a few things: 

1) I cannot feed and cloth the entire Army, AirForce, (or Marine corps).

2) That's not what they are seeking (and the Marines don't need me to)  :) 

3) They share everything.

4) The most often responded gratitude (besides thank you-thank you) has been:  "you should have seen SPC-----'s face when I gave him the ____"  They get some energy out of this largess.

It's a boon to facilitate that energy.  What the receiving man/woman has given up to feel that energy has shocked me sometimes. There's certain Capt's, SSGT's, SGT's, 1LT's  who would plainly state how they enjoyed the letter, sharing it among their crew and gave the (Surefire, Camelbak, Blackhawk, Underarmor) down the line.  Yes, they'd have a taste, and sometimes yes-something fit their particular need, but my point is what you do is appreciated, and what THEY do, or what they often do, is share. 

So what do I do about this? I've grown to notice individually wrapped food items, rather than the one large one, while out shopping. For Valentine's day, tucked in little heart boxes - what a fussy thing for a warrior (and hoped it would make him smile) - but intentionally sent small and multiple, as I wished him not just the surprise but also the good humor of tossing his buddy one.  That can be particularly poignant when it's protein, or hydration-enhancement, or clean socks, or warm clothing, or a silly joke in a letter.  This is not to say a "single" fabulous item is not sent. I've saved over months to have the satisfaction of posting boots to a stranger, or a decent medic backpack to a corpsman, or even (just one) size small mechanics gloves to the one female on a helicopter mechanics crew.  Or, the last large bag of beef jerky for that matter, or just a single letter to "any" of them... it is amazing how far they can go, I've heard (back) about AnySoldier addressed letters traveling well beyond that first address, into some very grateful hands.  --and other times, never heard back at all.

I'd say first: mind your budget.  And then: assume they will share. And also: that all will be well.   So happen to hear you've enjoyed your 1st round of boxes.

   

 

I was kind of a wreck when I sent my first boxes out, too!  I don't even know why I was nervous, I guess my gutt must have known what I was getting myself into before my brain did... how addicted I would become to leaving the post office with a small stack of date-stamped customs receipts

Having the customs forms at home when you're packing is ideal:  I often sit out everything that I've planned to go in a particular box and write the customs form out first, so I don't forget anything, and then pack. I also went a little psycho with tape the first time, but I'm sure too much is better than too little... I often wonder if I've gotten too laid back with packing, though fortunately I haven't heard of any disasters.  If you mail priority, the post office may also give you priority tape.  Sometimes I do use the extra-strong strapping tape but most of the time the free tape is more than adequate.  I live fairly close to the APO in NY, and for me, I find regular priority to be less than Flat Rate.  I can fit a lot more stuff into a larger box and pay less than I would for a FRB.  If I'm reading your location correctly that you're in Virginia, being on the east coast you might be in a similar boat, so maybe experiment a little and see how you can get the most bang for your postage buck.

For my first mailing, I sent to a contact that listed something like 40 males and 20 females, 4 boxes that I put together as if they would be handed to one person, but that I'm sure were happily opened and shared by a group.  I had the tremendous blessing to have had my letters land in the hands of 3 different soldiers, none of whom were AS contacts, but all became my pen pals, and I have been writing and sending packages to them for about 8 months.  Two of them I mail to as "singles" with the mindset that it's for one person, but I happily know that they share stuff that's not their favorite or that they can't make use of for any reason.  The third is a Captain, and he's got a revolving door on his office, so I often send a few things for just him, then stuff that he can share with the masses (like lots of Halloween candy, 200 candy canes, etc...).  This fall, I sent to a couple of guys in Afghanistan who listed 4-ish guys, and when they requested pillows/blankets/long-johns type stuff, I sent enough for each.  Those two have actually dropped off, so as I'm starting all over again, I'm again going back to the philosophy of sending as if the box will be placed in the hands of one person, but would be equally delighted to know that the contents are shared and the letter and pictures passed around.  However, when one new (to me) contact requested certain snack foods, I sent enough single-size for all of them, and some large community sizes to be shared (like hard candies).  I guess its safe to say I operate on a case-by-case basis, and it seems to work out every time.

I almost never worry about the number of soldiers because there are always more than I could do packages for.  If it was supposed to work that way those soldiers representing big groups sould only be sponsored by corporations!  Of course it's ok to pack just a single box.

My aim is to make personal packages that make a single person in that group feel special at that moment- not just one in a hoarde... I mean- they all get MRE's every day...they all wear the exact same clothes...and have the same haircut and sexy eyeglasses ...  I think that once in a while it would be OK for a person to get something that no one else has.   Imagine at the school lunch table where people compare and swap or envy what moms packed... I think of it like that-

 So I don't worry about trying to make multiple identical packages... every package of mine is unique and individual and usually consists of a variety of items which could either be shared by many, or enjoyed by one person in it's entirety (who isn't going to be thinking "what can I do with these eight bottles of shampoo... I don't have any hair!")

There are times when I have sent multiples with a number in mind, like when I was making cool ties... but that's it.

Sounds like you did really good with this shipment and will soon have your own system down pat!

 

Maddy, keep reading the forum.  You will always get terrific answers, ideas, humor, tears and support here.  We junkies need support also, not like our guys and gals in harms way, but our own kind of support. And it's okay with the tape, my PO lady calls me the K-9 Corp taper. (I have five dogs and many of my contacts are K-9)   I like to tape I learned through the forum how to choose ceegars and cried when one of our support junkies shared her soldier story.  I have family in Iraq and from my contacts through here they all say the same;  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU...I shared ..... etc.  KEEP THE LETTERS COMING,etc.  I also had trouble with the custom forms when I first started, ya get the hang of it real fast.  Keep up the good work, Joyce

Hi everyone,

   I sent out my very first box today & I already want to start packing another.  The one I sent didn't have any snacks in it ,  cuz I had  read a  post that warned not to do that. Due to the fact that  crackers or  cookies  that had been sent previously had  tasted like the lotion  that had opened during shipping or   tasted like the  soap that was packed in the  same box.    I was so  happy to send that box today!!!         I just hope it makes it ok.

    I remembered to  tuck a  note inside the box.(actually  surprised myself that  I remembered...  )    I didn't  put  any tape on my FRB  tho. I was not sure how my post office was  going to  react to any tape on the box , so I just stuck some  priority mail stickers on it.  Please  Lord--- Let it arrive intact  

 

I  had  asked if they would give me a roll of priority mail tape , they said no. I know it can't be ordered online. But  I will ask a  different post office  about that  tape. Hoping they will be  nicer  about  it.   Also , I asked  about the   NEW  FRB boxes  that are meant just for  APO/FPO  delivery  that are due out on 3-03-2008.they said they only got  1  case in & they would not even give me a  couple      I was sorta  bummed  about that , but it didn't make  my happy feeling about sending that box out today. yes--- I only  sent  1....  I don't have a   'nice income' & have to limit my spending. I know that it just matters  that I try my best.  & I did.   I hope it is to the liking of  the soldier  I sent it to.!!  

 

Also ..................picking out a  soldier to send it to is   the  HARDEST part of  doing this.  I look & read  &   poke around  & read  more posts  &  look &   read  again. I  swear , I  read so many posts , &  I  still have a  hard time  picking out the 1   that I  am to  choose. I finally say...''Ok  Lord ,   show me the soldier  that you want  me to send a letter / box to.''   Then ,,,,,,,,,,bingo-bango.... BLAMM.............there it is!!!   I just can't   wait to fill my next box. 

 It's just a  good day..........................I sent my   first box out!! It is also my Dad's  79th  Birthday today....2-21-2008!!!  

Wendy.........hello and welcome!!!   I just joined this forum recently too. It can be very ADDICTING!!!   My 18 year old daughter jokes with me that she has dozens and dozens of siblings overseas (my adopted family    It can be overwhelming of who to choose, what to pack and how much to send.    Take it slowly or it can be too much.   But have fun too.  I enjoy sending packages to and have only been doing it about 4-5 months.

Here is some info for  you on the other FRB (the new one) you can call 1800-610-8734 and order some.  I ordered 10 yesterday.   Yes, they are bigger, but they are $10.95 to ship.   So, the PO is really not helping much here.  I thought it would be the $8.95 rate and the person I talked to told me know.  It is originally a $12.95 box but sending it to an APO/FPO will be $10.95.     Also about the priority tape........I have received rolls from my PO when I ask.  They see the packages and know what I'm doing.   I suggest trying another PO if there is one near you.   Also another thing.........I would tape the box .....things certainly get tossed around at the PO and everyplace in between (like in transit, etc).   Just trying to give you some helpful tips.

Congrats on your first of MANY boxes (I'm sure).   It is such a wonderful feeling........and then when you get an email or snail-mail..........WOW,,,,,,,,,,that is such a feeling too.    Best to you ........Anne Marie

It's always so nice to welcome new 'junkies' to the Forum. 

 Wendy you must have a grouch at that post office, what the heck are they going to do with the boxes if not give them to people to use??!!  What's the point of saving them? 

Snacks are fine to mail, just don't put lotions, soaps, shampoos, etc. in the same box. 

Pack the boxes tight and then 'tape it like a gorilla will be handling it, because they will", as I've read on AS.  I use strapping tape around the box both directions, and packing tape on the edges/seams.  So far I haven't had any break open.

Feel free to come on here anytime with questions and you'll get good answers.  I've been doing this for 4 + years and I still ask for help and always get great answers.

Hope you hear back, it helps to include your e-mail and a self addressed envelope with a sheet of paper inside.  When you get your first response you will be hooked for sure!  LOL

Happy mailing,  Anita

Wendy H.,

I am assuming that you sent the FRB2 - the flat one that looks like a shirt box since you said that you didn't use any tape on it.  Our post office is rather strict, and doesn't allow much tape on the boxes, but we wrap one row of strapping tape around the long way to make sure that the flaps don't come loose since they toss them around a lot.  We always use the reinforced strapping tape, once around the FRB2, and around both ways on the FRB1 after sealing it with regular packing tape.  But, when we first started using the FRB, it was the FRB1, and we taped every place that it had a seam or opening, and the clerk told us not to do that.  They went ahead and sent the ones that we had already done without refusing them, but warned us not to do it in the future, so we resist the urge to do so to avoid having a bad relationship with them.

Gran

Hi Wendy,

I understand your experience at the post office!  I have "shopped" and sent FRB's to 4 different post offices in my area. The closest refused to allow me some of their priority mail tape for one care package, with several rolls just sitting there on the counter.... don't go there anymore!  I have found one that has friendly people, but they prefer I order my replacement boxes from that 800 number.  They say they don't get enough shipped to them and they are always running out.  They still just shrug their shoulders when I've asked about the new FRB.  Thankfully we all have this forum for the latest and greatest info!  Anne Marie gave good advice about that 800 number, ask for the Military Pack, it will include a whole roll of the tape that usually lasts me about a year. 

I think your contacts will love reading your letters!  I enjoy reading your postings here.  Belated happy birthday greetings to your dad! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies, 

Thank you for your great advice & pointers!  I sure do appreciate them all. I just love this forum area where we  can all sit down &  share our stories of good & bad happenings at  the  post office.   What wold we do without this place to discuss our woes?

  Anne  Marie ,

 I did order the new  FRB's  online just yesterday. By the time I get them , it may be time to use them (3-03-2008)!  Just hope I can fill them..LOL  !   I am going to try to get some priority mail tape (PMT)   at a different  PO.  The 1  I went to is my  closest but there is  1   kinda close to work & I can just go visit them & ask. All they can say is  no , right?  Just hope they don't.  Thanks for the tips on  taping & all. I am  sure I wil refer back to this page  when I am sending my next box.

   Anita ,

  Yes--- there  were actually 2 grouches at my PO!  Gggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrr      I was telling them  what I was doing & was  asking questions , & they just refused  my  requests.  Hoping to find much happier  folks at the other  PO  i am planning to  see next time.  The whole PMT  deal was  weird...cuz  YEA .I  could see at least  6  rolls   from where I was standing at the   window.  Maybe they use it to tape each other up at the end of the day... bbbwwwaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh     LOL!  

I did  include my  address & my  email address in my box so IF they want to  reply ,  they can , but if they don't .that's  ok too. I know they are busy protecting & preparing . That is what they do. Just sending that box made my  whole day!  I keep thinking'' wonder  where my box is  right NOW?''. I know it has left the PO but how far  has it gotten by now... !

    Gran ,

Yes I used the  FRB2 to ship my  stuff in  & I hope all is well with it!  It's not a  big box , but i stuffed as much as I  could in it. Nothing  rattled.  I will have to get my hands on some  strapping tape. I simply forgot how strong that stuff is.     I wanted to tape that  box up like  you wouldn't believe.the tape-monster in me was raring to get that box secure as possible , but I was afraid that I would be  refused at the PO. I am thinking that they would have- just seeing how they were very  'nonshalaunt ' (SP?)  about what I was   doing. I don't want them dreading  my visits IF I dare go back to that PO. I may not. 

Anneel,

Do they really send you some PMT w/your order of the  NEW   FRB's?  YAAAAAAAAAAAY!     I hope so !  My PO  wasn't  real sure of the changes coming up. They  didn't know the cost or the  date for  sure. & I was talking to  2 of them (those grouches).!!   I just have to send them reguardless. I am pumped to get the next one ready!!     Thank you for your  very kind post. I hope  my contacts do like my stuff/letters. It will be a little distraction at least!  

And than you for  the Birthday  wish for my Dad! He's a great  man & has always been the  VERY best father & husband to my Mom!   He has always been very thoughtful & patient  ,among other things.  Don't get me started on all that. I will talk all day long if I start on  him!  

  I really do appreciate all of  everyones  input on  the mailing woes!  I'm so happy I stumbled upon this site!