Financial donations remain our biggest need. As we approach April, we have less than $10,000 in 2014 cash donations (towards our 2014 yearly goal of $100,000). In particular, USPS mailing costs, to ship care packages to our military contacts, have risen greatly in 2014.
As to product donations, some of the items that are high on our care package wish list include:
- Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss
- Deodorant, lip balm, eye drops, bandaids, tampons, foot powder
- Lotions, body wash, soap, shampoo
- Razors, non-aerosol shave gel, small tissue packs
- Lays Stax chips, Pringles, nuts, sunflower seeds
- Powdered coffee creamer, sugar packs, coffee
- Squeezable jelly in plastic containers, powdered drink mixes
- Shelf stable microwavable dinners (Hormel Compleats, etc.)
- Beef jerky, crackers
- Plain white or black socks for men/women
- Twin sheet sets (darker colors preferred), air fresheners
The list is not meant to be comprehensive. Below are some recent notes from American troops in Afghanistan to the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas.
"The Marines are currently in need of snack food like beef jerky, granola bars, and tuna packets. The operations we conduct require us to be light, so we carry snack type food to sustain ourselves in helicopter operations and foot patrols where weight matters."
"If you get a chance throw in a couple of SURE deodorants"
"our BX shelves are getting empty and no new trucks are suppose to be coming anytime soon. Is there anyway you could send a box or two of bars of soap"
"Our female population is probably around 300. Many more men. We have Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, civilians, contractors, locals all working on base. We have five working dogs here that would LOVE treats I'm sure."
"We have local communities that we support with a lot of children. 40 kids from a local orphanage are visiting this week. Truth be told, I'd rather see clothes and school supplies for them than most anything else. Especially warm shoes and coats!"
"The thing that makes these folks (troops) the happiest is just getting a package and digging through it like Christmas. Nothing goes to waste no matter what gets sent."
"The troops really appreciate all the care packages we receive."
"Thanks again for the loving things you and your folks do!"
