http://operationmilitarypride.org/

http://www.anysoldier.com/

http://www.homefronthugs.com/

Thanks. I was thinking about putting those links up myself.

My pleasure.

http://www.dav.org/cst/index.html

One of my favorites.

"Beware" there are allot of scam artist out there who prey on "Service people" organizations.
It's also good to find out how many cents on the dollar actually go to "help" the people funds are being raised for vs.
the fund raising origination.

I got a list of "Bogus" charities some place. when I find it, I'll post em.

No worse feeling than donating to something you believe to be a good cause, only to find out you didn't get the chance
to help the people you wanted to help in the first place.

I'm going the care package route rather than cash. We have flat rate boxes at work from the post office. It's about $5, a little less, to send it. Oh shit! I just thought of something. A friend sent me a list of things to send and a list of things that are no-no's. Don't want to put anything in that would keep the package from getting to it's destination. I'll get with her and post it.

This is a list I got from a friend. Gives some really good things to send and things you can't send.




Phone minutes from SPAWAR are HUGE! They get much more time than they do with AT &T or any other phone card. Very easy to set up an account and recharge the card at any time

SPAWAR - Providing Internet and phone access for U.S. and coalition forces throughout Iraq



baby wipes,baby wipes,baby wipes, ziplock bags, vinyl and plastic, lip balm/chapstick

sunscreen (at least with SPF of 25)

Avon “Skin So Soft” (a super bug repellent)
eye drops
nasal spray
medicated creams especially for sunburns
Neosporin and waterproof bandages
Bengay for sore muscles
combs and brushes
toothpaste and toothbrushes
plastic travel cases for toothbrush and soap
deodorant (no aerosol spray)
razors
after shave lotion
lotion
Shower to Shower Powder
chapstick
bar soap
baby powder
VISINE eye drops
absorbent soft towels and washcloths
foot powder
cotton balls
liquid hand sanitizer
Bug Spray with Deet (non-aerosol)
nail files
socks
baseball hats and bandanas
Multi-vitamins
Lever 2000 body wipes
Small and Large Plastic Ziplock bags
(to keep the sand out which gets into everything)
Fly Swatter
Fly strips
Small Battery Powered Fans
blow-up pillows with pillowcase
(yes these exist! )
Tabasco sauce or a gourmet hot sauce
(makes those MRE's taste edible!)

disposable cameras
YoYos (send an extra few to share !)
footballs
hard candy
hard mints
Sweet-tarts
frisbees (glow-in-the-dark a favorite)
Protein bars
Chex Snack Mix
playing cards
granola bars
mixed nuts and dried fruit
pop tarts
Blowpop lollipops
Tootsie Pops
Little Debbie Snack Cakes
Homemade baked items w/out items like chocolate chips which may melt
Powderade
Powdered Drink packets
(The troops tell us Gatorade is sometimes too plentiful so send anything else !)
Crystal Light and Koolaid Powdered drink mix
Pretzels in a cannister
Pringles in a cannister
Slim Jims Individually Wrapped in a cannister
Tuna in a Vacuum Sealed Pouch
Popcorn or Microwave Products if Soldier has access to Microwave
Chex Mix
Dried Fruits
Condiments in Pouches like ketchup,mayo,relish or mustard
stamps, postcards,pens,stationery,envelopes,stickers
magazines,local papers,paperback books,comics
(anything that brings some humor!)
flashlights
mini battery fans
walkman with headsets and favorite cds
batteries for all of the above
phone cards, phone cards, phone cards
(AT&T phone cards please)
Yo-yos
Hackie-sacks
Squirt guns
jump ropes
stress balls
candles
Handheld computer games (include batteries)
DVDs
Music CDs
Travel Size Games
Teddy bears small to medium size for Iraqi,Kuwaiti and Afghan children if soldier is stationed there (this helps build rapport and positive relations with the children- as our troops do so many good and under-reported deeds for the local communities....)

Be sure to mark any perishable items as "PERISHABLE" on the outside of the box and on your Bill of Lading.
*****
*** One tip - Let businesses where you go to shop know you are putting together care packages for our brave troops and they might just help you out with donations or discounts !
*****************
****************
Prohibited Items
***
No chocolate or items with chocolate pieces which could melt except between November and February
No pornographic materials
No pork products of any kind
No liquor
No cigarettes
No aerosol spray items
Nothing that leaks
No fresh fruit
No living plants or animals

I am sure that someone here knows someone over in the sandbox. Why don't we put together a Saiga12 care package our selves?

ID a unit to send it to
Get a volunteer to collect the items that others send him
Have a few chip in for shipping instead of items
Send the stuff over and demand pics back.

We did it back a few years ago on XDtalk. Nice way to get to know each other a bit better and show the troops the support from home by something other than a large faceless charity.

Send Brigade Quartermaster catalogue, Sportsmans's Guide, HQ and simular and gift certificates. That would let them get what ever is needed.

My Raider football board did the same a couple of years ago too. You can always count on me to pitch in on something like that... just say the word.

Did someone say volunteer, for the troops?
I'm so there!

I got this from the same friend who sent me the list of items you can send and not send.

Here it is....

You can order (but only by phone at 1-800-610-8734,option #1)
" CARE KIT 04" with two sizes Priority boxes, labels, tape, envelopes, etc. These are NOT the "flat rate" boxes. Postage depends on weight. You get several of each size box, good when the "flat rate" just won't work.

COST of supplies: FREE

#2. You can also order the NEW "Flat Rate" boxes (mimimum 25). No matter the weight in these it's $8.10 postage. FINALLY !!!

COST of supplies: FREE



What I don't understand is I used a 'flat rate' box from the USPS that I sent from work and it was only 4.75, I believe. I know a $5 bill covered it. What's good about the flat rate box is it doesn't matter how much it weighs. Fill it with packing peanuts or lead balls. Same price. I know I'm gonna try to go this weekend and fix up a box to send.