Need suggestions for a care package for a soldier!

[OccamsTazer]

DH (an Iraq veteran) says:
Little hard shelf-stable sausages
Oreos
Shelf-stable cheese
Louisiana sauce if you're Cajun
Crackers
Barbecue chips
Anything he can hide.

DH was a sergeant and shared most everything with his boys, but he says he hid and saved the meat and cheese things for his own.

 

[StupidBird]

sis who went to the middle east adds the following: mouse traps (an exceedingly funny story, but, tents get lots of mice). Nutella (chocolate in a jar, doesn't melt).

 

[wegotchickens]

What if you try to adopt a soldier, and all he wants is an item you can't afford? Like a laptop? What then? Cheese and meat snacks seem kinda lame if they really want a laptop

 

[Wifezilla]

A LAPTOP??

Since they aren't paying for food, room and board, he should be able to afford his own laptop.

 

[wegotchickens]

Quote:
I actually don't think the soldier signed himself up, I think his wife did. It reads that way. And I feel kinda bad that he can't see his kids and vice versa. But I can't afford a laptop for myself right now...
I thought it would be nice to write to someone, send treats. But I feel like if a laptop is what's requested, treats and letters will be a letdown.

If he's supporting a family at home, maybe he can't afford a laptop?

(Mouse traps and Nutella would be easy to do, along with sheets and stuff like that. And books? I got a TON of books I could send. I don't read standard girl stuff.)

 

[georgialee]

Just signed up... so many great ideas in this thread!

 

[wegotchickens]

I sent my guy an e-mail. Said I couldn't do the laptop but would be happy to send smaller stuff.
Will go ahead and send an assortment of stuff now though, since I don't know if / when he'll get the e-mail....

 

[saddina]

Quote:
From the FAQ's:

9Q. What should I write about/what should I send?


9A. IF your soldier wrote any requests in the comment area (under the address in the email that we sent with the soldiers info) that is pretty simple to answer! Most do not make specific requests when registering for our site, therefore, we simply recommend writing a basic introduction letter. Thanking them for keeping us safe is always appreciated, ask about your soldier and tell your soldier about yourself. Ask your soldier typical things you would ask someone you have just met…where are you from? When is your birthday? (so you can send them a card on it!), what kind of music/movies do you enjoy?...etc… You can also refer to our site in the what to send, how to send, and forum areas! OR do what some people do- "Google it"!!

If your soldier is requesting many things, it may be because he has other soldiers with him. We assign more supporters to these soldiers so you do not feel overwhelmed. If the soldier is asking for high ticket items (xbox, ipod), try forming a group that can donate one of raise funds for one! You are NOT obligated to purchase expensive items!

 

[wegotchickens]

Quote:
From the FAQ's:

9Q. What should I write about/what should I send?


9A. IF your soldier wrote any requests in the comment area (under the address in the email that we sent with the soldiers info) that is pretty simple to answer! Most do not make specific requests when registering for our site, therefore, we simply recommend writing a basic introduction letter. Thanking them for keeping us safe is always appreciated, ask about your soldier and tell your soldier about yourself. Ask your soldier typical things you would ask someone you have just met…where are you from? When is your birthday? (so you can send them a card on it!), what kind of music/movies do you enjoy?...etc… You can also refer to our site in the what to send, how to send, and forum areas! OR do what some people do- "Google it"!!

You are NOT obligated to purchase expensive items!

Did that part of part A.
Just felt bad that I couldn't do what they wanted, in part B. I know that I'm not obligated, but it's the ONLY thing requested.

 

[saddina]

Now, if you feel inclined, you could ask on freecycle if someone has an old laptop they'd donate (mine's about to be replaced, soon as i've the cash). But it's an option, not a requirement.