| When you gather round the table to share the | | | | the above articles. (Note that does free APO/FPO |
| blessings of food and family this year, remember | | | | shipping.) |
| those who are far away from their loved ones and | | | | Sending a care package to a specific individual soldier |
| living daily, with danger, in difficult conditions: our | | | | may not be possible for you, but there are other |
| military. | | | | options. A quick google search provides a list of |
| Perhaps you have a loved one overseas or | | | | organizations that support our troops in tangible ways |
| undoubtedly know of someone who does. (Two of | | | | and through whom you can help. Here are just a few: |
| my own young relatives are serving; one in Kuwait, | | | | - A donation to the USO will help send pre-paid phone |
| one in Iraq.) As well as praying for their safety, | | | | cards for soldiers. Just $10 will give a lonely soldier 30 |
| consider ways you could brighten this holiday season | | | | precious minutes to hear the voices of loved ones |
| for them. | | | | and share in the exchange of holiday greetings. |
| A care package with the simplest of items from | | | | - Donate to send a USO Care Package containing |
| home is an excellent way to show how much you | | | | treats and necessities from home. $25 sends a $75 |
| care. The things we take for granted are luxury | | | | care package. |
| items to them. To send a care package, you really | | | | - Another nonprofit organization is Give2TheTroops. |
| need to know the guidelines for doing so. | | | | Here you can either donate or use their 'portal' for |
| Packing and Shipping Your Own | | | | online shopping, which gives you discounts at your |
| The Fun Times Guide web site has several articles | | | | favorite places and each purchase helps the troops |
| that provide specific information about the best | | | | as well. |
| items to include, as well as those that you should | | | | - Operation Gratitude uses donations to send care |
| not; tips on how to send food items; and even how | | | | packages and accepts requests for care packages. |
| to get free shipping supplies. Lynette, the author, also | | | | - Operation Shoebox has a variety of ways to show |
| wrote "Support Our Troops: Send 'Em a Fun Holiday | | | | your support. Would you be interested in 'adopting a |
| Care Package," in which she shares information on | | | | troop?' |
| APO and FPO shipping, particularly the last date | | | | My own church collects items every year in order to |
| (December 11) for packages to still be received by | | | | send care packages to soldiers whose names are |
| Christmas. There is also another list of 'fun' things to | | | | given to us by church members or someone in the |
| send, plus a suggestion that you send more than one | | | | community in general. There are many churches and |
| of an item in order for their buddies to be able to | | | | other local organizations who collect items and funds |
| enjoy them, too. | | | | for shipping in large quantities. |
| Give2TheTroops.org has an "official list of the most | | | | For example, in Indiana, Connection Pointe Military |
| popular items requested by our troops." | | | | Support Group of the Connection Pointe Christian |
| Other Options | | | | Church sends 'Treats for the Troops'. |
| If you prefer to select a specially prepared gift | | | | Whichever method you choose, send a care package |
| basket from one of the many gift basket shopping | | | | this season. You will be blessed for it as well as being |
| sites, just pay attention to the contents and choose | | | | a blessing to those who receive it. |
| one that meets most of the guidelines presented in | | | | |