| Many of us have friends or family members who are | | | | to a shower in days. Even a toothbrush or some |
| deployed overseas. A military care package can bring | | | | chapstick can offer substantial relief and delight to a |
| the comforts of home to those who are so far | | | | military man or woman. |
| away for so long. While you may think this is as easy | | | | Snacks such as trail mix, roasted nuts, or gummy |
| as picking out a few favorites snacks and writing a | | | | bears are great ideas and can be a delight to a |
| note, there are a few things you should consider | | | | serviceman who has tasted nothing but MRE's for |
| before you send a military care package to your | | | | weeks. Remember, your military care package will be |
| soldier. | | | | shipping a long way and could potentially end up |
| Keep it small and personal, yet practical. A soldier | | | | taking a long time to reach its destination; do not |
| may not have a lot of personal space to store | | | | send anything that could melt or ruin. Items such as |
| things, and larger items may be a burden or difficult | | | | chocolates are not a good idea. |
| to store, so try to keep your gifts small and personal. | | | | Make it fun: Soldiers must often work night and day |
| Remember, the mail could be the most delightful part | | | | endlessly. Something that will bring them a little |
| of a day for a soldier overseas. Make each military | | | | pleasure and relaxation will lift their spirits. How about |
| care package something that will bring a smile to his | | | | a book or new CD? Even a magazine or a |
| or her face. A crayon drawing from a son or | | | | newspaper from home would offer some pleasurable |
| daughter or photos of family will do much to lift his | | | | moments for someone who is far from home. |
| spirits. | | | | Send it often: Even if it is only a handwritten note, |
| Before sending your military care package, think of | | | | you should make it your goal to send something as |
| personal comforts that your soldier or sailor may not | | | | often as possible to your loved one. This can keep |
| have access to. Think of things that may make his | | | | you close even though you are miles apart and offer |
| life a little easier. What about a package of wet | | | | your soldier a connection to home and a moment's |
| wipes? This may be the closest thing they have seen | | | | peace. |