supporting U.S. troops with packages or letters

Parent Cafe
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<p>If anyone would like a heartwarming outreach project over the Christmas season, check out this site:</p>

<p>[AnySoldier.com[/url</a>]</p>

<p>This is a way to send a care package or letters and cards to troops stationed in the Middle East. It’s very easy to use. You select a serviceman or woman who has volunteered to be a coordinator of sorts, you get the address, and they distribute the mail and items to the people in their unit. Each coordinator writes a short post on the site with specifics their people need such as food treats and hygiene items. Some people there don’t get any mail or packages at all, and the requests are really very simple and heartwarming. They also like letters, cards and art from young children, and Christmas decorations! I have been reading many of the posts and choosing who to help, and it has really given me something to think about as we head into the holiday season.</p>

<p>You can send even just a small package to a group you choose, and you can choose the military branch and if you would like, you can send items specifically for servicewomen. You can use the free priority flat-rate mail boxes from the post office and the flat rate is the only mailing cost. (You do have to fill out a customs form too.) </p>

<p>Here is an article that tells about the organization from The Oregonian in Portland over the weekend:</p>

<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/margie_boule/index.ssf/2009/11/packages_to_military_help_ease.html]Packages”>Packages to U.S. military help ease their load - oregonlive.com]Packages</a> to U.S. military help ease their load | Margie Boule - – OregonLive.com](<a href=“http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm]AnySoldier.com[/url”>AnySoldier.com)</p>

<p>If you are feeling a little overwhelmed about the holidays, this is inspirational. I think this would be a nice project for families or perhaps a class of students or office groups.</p>

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<p>I forgot to add that the deadline for Christmas packages appears to be Dec. 11 for priority flat-rate mail. The FAQ section says delivery usually takes about two weeks.</p>

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<p>bookiemom, thank you for posting this!</p>

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<p>I hope a few CC parents will go to this site and read the posts from the military volunteer coordinators. There are also photos posted so you can see what their facilities look like. Many do not have a PX nearby so they can’t buy the small items they need, and there are many who do not have anyone to send them these supplies.</p>

<p>Here is a quote from one coordinator:
“Thank you for the job you are doing in support of our fellow military members around the globe. The job you do is more important than you could imagine. It means a lot to a soldier to receive a package from back home, especially a soldier who has nobody back home to send things to him/her.”</p>