Reminder for Christmas . . .

[mrkirker]

Okay, the calendar is running, so don't forget to get your 'care' packages to our men and women overseas in time for cold weather/Christmas. Last year my crew 'adopted' a platoon of Marines in Afganistan (sp). I am going to paste some of the comments and instructions that you might want to think of here (underlines are mine):

I have been told that we should send by the first of October if possible. Dinty Moore is popular. Anything that can be made with hot water or heated up that is not MRE is a big morale booster. The post office will give you a priority 12X12X4 box at no charge to ship in. The coast to ship the box up to 20 pounds is a flat $10.95. We are sponsoring one platoon from Fox that is isolated from the rest of the Company. SSgt Hilis is the Platoon Sergeant. The comment about replacements is very accurate. This unit and especially this company have taken a significant number of casualties. A reinforced platoon is made up of around 70 Marines. This is a lot of folks to support but anything you send will be greatly appreciated.

The address is
SSgt Hillis
Fox Co 2/7
UIC 41555
FPO AP 96426-1555

If everyone sent a couple or three cans or some of the following:
( again pasted: )

"Most of the winter stuff that we're going to need has been provided by Uncle Sam. Listed below are some items that we and our replacements are going to need in the near future.
Black/Green winter gloves
Black Ski masks
Underwear 28-36 size
Socks
Books and magazines are something desired and read thoroughly Cup O noodles and Soups Anti-Fog cleaner for glasses
(A couple of prayers and we should be good.)"

PLEASE, do not let our service personnel EVER think that they are forgotten, a package from home, even if they don't know YOU from Adam - is a tangable reminder that they are in our thoughts and prayers.
(We tend to favor the Marines, but send something, SOMEWHERE!)
Thanks TFF!

[Vladimir]

Maybe we should organize something as a forum. If we could all donate a few bucks here and there, find a few people willing to organize/put everything together, and send off a nice TFF care package?

[mrkirker]

I like that idea, how can we do it?

[Vladimir]

Originally Posted by mrkirker

I like that idea, how can we do it?

I imagine we would need some help and support from the moderators, and most importantly a couple people who would be willing to organize it all.

[rosierita]

we send out regular carepackages. we have a soldier in afghanistan & 1 in iraq.. getting ready to have 2 in iraq, as of october, i think.

some of the things we send are...

playing cards, poker chips, (have even bought bubble gum cigars to go w/ them before.) socks, shower gel, deodorant, soap (cant send that stuff w/ food items), various snack foods, presweetened koolaid packets, gatorade packets, tea, etc... ummm bubble gum, sunflower seeds, puzzle books, sunscreen, chapstick & lotion...

in the colder months, we send stuff like chocolate candy bars, we usually send an "easter basket" every spring. (the last 1 we sent was a little over 15 lbs of chocolate. but that soldier was sharing his loot w/ 11 other guys.)

you can go to the USPS website & get the 1 rate boxes mailed to you FOR FREE! (my problem w/ their boxes, they arent big enough IMHO, they are 1 rate & you could mail rocks & it wouldnt change the postage, but its TOUGH to pack alot of stuff in those boxes when you try to mail them just 1 time a month.)

i know i'm missing things on my list....

we've sent peanut butter & jelly before too. hmmmm.... i know there's more.

i'm all for helping out.

[armedandsafe]

OK, I put a sticky on Mrkirker's thread concerning care packages for his troops. I'd like to set a few rules, if I may:

1. Let's not fill it up with "Yeah, great idea" and "Let's do it" and "I sent mine" sorts of comments. Put those in another thread in GD or in my GD thread.

2. DO post more addresses of units to sponsor. Put up the address of a unit, or that you are sponsoring a unit, and ask for emails and PMs from those who wish to help you. An example, Mrkirker wants to sponsor that particular troop and you wint to help him. Contact him via PM or email and see if he prefers money or goodies be sent to him.

Any other ideas more than welcome.

Pops

[armedandsafe]

This is a good site, if you don't have a specific unit/person to whom to send a care package. Note, the $25 you send translates to $75 in goodies for the troops.

https://www.uso.org/donate/custom.aspx?id=850&

Here's another:
http://www.carepackageproject.com/

Pops

[Shellback]

Originally Posted by Vladimir

Maybe we should organize something as a forum. If we could all donate a few bucks here and there, find a few people willing to organize/put everything together, and send off a nice TFF care package?

I just need to know where to send a check this is a wonderful idea please post where and to whom.. I will do whatever is needed.. I like the idea of a TFF package, I give regular to USO !
Thanks
Tim

[meatguy]

I am in !!!!! just let me know where to send the money or the goodies please. scott

[armedandsafe]

OK, guys, let me get with the other mods and see what we can set up. I'll also check with MrKirker and see what ideas he has.

Pops

[stetson]

I am let us know where to send the cash. I'd really like to start doing something like this in addition to weekly church donation.

[armedandsafe]

We don't have anything set up as a site, yet. There are a couple of good sites listed up above.

I should have time to work on this after a while. With no other volunteers, it's a little tough to break loose with the time, right now.

Pops

[artabr]

Pop, do you think the site could do a mass notice via e-mail or p/m to let all the members know about it, if and when TFF would do a group troop Christmas program.
If it was made strickly monetary, where members could send funds to one person or a trusted organization it would be great.


Art

[armedandsafe]

The one-person central is what I have in mind. Let me get some things caught up over the next while and I'll start another thread on it. I'm going to unstick this one, now and let it wander down the line.

Pops

[Shellback]

Your a good man Pops, this is Gods work and with the lot of us we may do some good for our men not here for the holidays. God bless em
Tim