Anything to make their stay a little easier and brighter and to help them feel the comforts of home. Many of the females do not have access to feminine hygiene products. On occasion, soldiers may have access to PX's (post exchange stores) but most PX's do not carry a huge supply and are often depleted.
What types of goods can you donate for soldiers care packages?
(Link to printable PDF list of Items Requested.)
NONFOOD ITEMS:
* DVDs, CDs, video games, power converters* Socks - plain white or black for men & women (no logos), Thorlos
* Twin Sheets, Pillow Cases
* Flip flops (for showering)
* Towels, Blankets, Throws
* Caps, Gloves, Underwear, Scarves
* Foot powder, Deodorant (non aerosol)
* Insect repellant (non aerosol), Disinfectant
* Ankle - Knee Braces, BenGay, Bandaids
* Air fresheners
* Lip balm, Suntan Lotion, Moisturizing Lotion, Soap, Shampoo
* Baby or adult wipes (showers aren't always available, soft refills - not hard cases)
* Batteries (AA and AAA are often requested)
* Office supplies - Stationery, pens, greeting cards (for soldiers to mail home to loved ones)
* Sporting goods (soccer balls, footballs, frisbees)
* Feminine products - tampons
* Playing Cards, Board Games, Puzzle Books
* Eye Drops
* Used cell phones and inkjet cartridges (we can recycle and use the proceeds for postage)
* Phone Cards
FOODS:
* Coffee - instant or ground (no decaf please)
* Nuts (peanuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.)
* Candy (Chocolates only from October through February)
* Tea - Hot Chocolate
* Microwavable Popcorn
* Snacks, Crackers
* Fruit, Granola and Snack bars, Canned Fruit (no cans that require can opener)
* Powdered drink mixes (Gatorade, Country Time lemonade, etc.)
* Sunflower seeds
* Lays Stax Chips, Pringles, Rice Krispies Treats
* Peanut Butter
* Foiled tuna packs
* Beef Jerky (Jack Links, Pemmican, Pecos Bill, Slim Jim, Oberto, etc.)
* Ramen noodles
* Shelf-stable microwavable dinners
ITEMS TO AVOID:
* Cans that require a can opener.* Items packed in glass bottles.
* Pork products (restricted by importing country).
* Chocolates (due to melting) ... except from October to February.
* No aerosol products.
* No homemade food products.
* No liquor, flamable-pressurized items, X-rated materials.
WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT NEEDED RIGHT NOW:
We have an adequate supply of : Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, hand sanitizer, paperback books.
WHAT ITEMS ARE MOST IN NEED:
We welcome any donations of the above products. But some of the items at the top of our wish list are:1) Soft refill packs of baby wipes (no hard plastic containers please)
2) Beef jerky
3) Socks - plain white or black for men & women (no logos)
4) Body wash, soap, foot powder
5) Lotion, especially during the winter
6) Coffee - instant or ground (no decaf please)
The list is not meant to be comprehensive - just an outline of some items requested. Even simple things like "hooks" to hang things in tents are seen as the greatest of gifts.
And again, please keep in mind that we don't have our own warehouse. Some generous companies have donated warehouse and office space at different locations. We also store donated items in our homes in the Dallas area. If you have some items to donate, we would just request that you contact us before making any shipments to discuss the logistics. Thanks for your consideration.
You may email Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas at support@airborneangelcadets.com.
