Being away from family and friends can be difficult emotionally to our service men and women. Sending military care packages is a beneficial way to provide deployed military individuals with necessities and thoughtful sentiments.
A military care package may contain special items related to the physical and emotional needs of the recipient. Bottled water, hand sanitizer, shampoos, and books are some items that aid in the comfort of the individual’s stay. Simple necessities such as nail files, dental floss, and sun block provide ease in daily grooming. Unlike gift baskets, military care packages should be filled with more useful items and less adornments for presentation purposes. Although presentation still plays an important roll, the emphasis should be placed on usable items needed.
Military care packages may be themed for special occasions. A Valentine’s Day care package may be filled with chocolate hearts specially wrapped to prevent melting on other items, a love poem, red hot candy, Valentine accented under garments, and most importantly a hand written letter from a loved one.
Thoughtful items such as phone cards, batteries, and stationary may seem simple, but are well utilized. Past-time activities is essential to the soldier as well. Sending frisbees, yo-yo’s, hacky sacks, and crossword puzzle books makes for an exciting care package. Specific items requested by the recipient also compliments a military care package.
Caution should be taken when sending military care packages as well. Some countries have strict guidelines, and it may be illegal to send such items as alcohol and pornographic material. Do not send pressurized items such as aerosol cans. Sending breakable or possible leaking items should be property wrapped and the open areas of the box should be filled with foam peanuts or bubble wrap to protect such items during shipment.
Choosing a sturdy box is essential, and complying with shipping rules and regulations will ensure a safe delivery of military care packages. When selecting a box, make sure it is free of graffiti or wrap it in plain brown paper. After filling the box with items taking care to secure breakable or leaking items, seal the box with mailing tape. Make sure the correct address is written neatly and always include a return address.