marg, your comments/suggests regarding shipping to soldiers were great--thank you >>>

M

marilynfl

Moderator
You've clarified a few worries we've had about the type of food to send.

This holiday idea is called "Operation Cookie Drop". The squadron we're sending goodies to is a Marine Reserve group from Central Florida. There are currently 40 men and women in Iraq working in motor transport...27 others just returned home last month.

I'll have mailing labels for each one with their full names/APO address and filling out the accompanying custom forms for each package (one per soldier) as it arrives to me from the volunteers here, since each box will have slightly different items.

Sandy in Philly is making up labels to put on each box.

I've asked for the volunteer boxes to be mailed to me on November 17 or 18 in a flat rate priority box. I'll receive them during Thanksgiving week.

They'll leave Florida Nov 27 by "Priority Mail"...sealed with safe wishes and grateful thanks.

If you or DJ has any specific treats that soldiers loved to get, please let us know.

PS: I've included the original thread. The only difference from then until now is I've moved the kickoff date up by a week and I won't have to take all the boxes into work to the Marine coordinator...they're letting me handle the re-mailing from my home.

http://www.finerkitchens.com/swap/forum/index.php?action=display&forumid=1&msgid=28468

 
You are very welcome>>>>>

I will make sure that I get a batch of something out to you before shipping date.
We had to have all Christmas gifts out by the 7th of December last year. Although they got them a week later, the Army wanted to make sure that they arrived on time.
As far as what they loved getting, DJ and pals coveted those puddings that come already made that don't need to be refrigerated, I think they are called Snack Packs. They also love the individual drink mix packets that they can add to a bottle of water. The packets fit nicely concealed into the pockets of their BDU pants. Peanut butter is also a big ask.
They pretty much like just about anything that comes from home. Cici and I used to stick a couple of European car magazines in with the care packages. The models posing with the cars are a little more racy than the ones in the US publications, so while they were pretending to oggle the Lamborghini they were really looking at the curves and lines of the person sitting on it. Not really a mom type of thing to send, but hey, they were 6500 miles away in the middle of nowhere, they needed some distractions after work.

 
Oh! I forgot...

When you use a return address, use your name, and the address that you are sending it to, or the address of their base back here in the states. This way if it does not reach them in Iraq, it will be waiting for them back in Fl. when they get home. When I had to do DJ's I used his Alpha Co. 504 1st Batt PIR, FT Bragg NC as a return addy with my name at the top. I keep remembering these things as I go along. Sorry.

 
Ping away!! I am very happy to help>>>

and rather selfishly relieved that we are NOT sending to DJ this year.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top