Are you wondering what it takes to transform a pile of empty boxes into care packages?? Read on to find out!
We have at least 4 bulk shipments, called Operation SEND, each year… for Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If ample donations are received, we will squeeze in another one during the summer months.
The first step of the care package process is, of course, the box. We have various volunteers who stamp our name on the sides of the boxes and then tape the bottoms. Let the filling begin!
Item #1 – Wipes
ONE PACKAGE OF WIPES PER BOX — Body wipes or baby wipes are very valuable during deployment. Imagine being “in the field” for weeks or months at a time… with no running water. These. Are. Priceless.
Item #2 – Socks
ONE OR TWO PAIR PER BOX — Keeping feet dry and blister free are of utmost importance during deployment. We try to include two pair of socks if inventory allows.
Item #3 – Proteins
TWO PER BOX — We include items such as Beanee Weenee, vienna sausage, and cans or pouches or chicken and tuna. Pouches or pull-tab cans are best since no can openers are needed.
Item #4 – Candy Bag
ONE CANDY BAG PER BOX — This is a sandwich size ziploc bag filled with an assortment of goodies! This includes almost any kind of individually wrapped candy EXCEPT chocolate, lollipops, and Jolly Ranchers. The bag holds about 2 1/2 cups of candy and a package of gum. OH, don’t forget to “BURP” the bag before sealing it. This means remove as much air as possible from the bag so it takes up less space in the care package.
Item #5 – Snack Bag
ONE SNACK BAG PER BOX — This is another sandwich size ziploc bag filled with various snack items. We include a package of crackers, nuts, cookies, snack bar, and 5 beef sticks or jerky. Remember to BURP the bag.
Item #6 – Drink Bag
ONE DRINK BAG PER BOX — This is a sandwich size ziploc bag containing a variety of drink mixes. We include several individual serving packets of coffee, tea, cocoa, and Crystal Light. Remember to BURP!
Item #7 – Personal Bag
ONE PERSONAL CARE BAG PER BOX — This is a sandwich size ziploc bag containing personal care items. Many of these are travel size items like shampoo & conditioner, lotion, body wash, toothpaste, and tissues. We also include dental floss, lip balm and lens wipes. If inventory allows, we may also include nasal spray, mouthwash, sunscreen, foot powder, hand sanitizer, or feminine hygiene items. As usual, burp the bag!
Other items
Other items we include in the care package are a deck of playing cards, a puzzle book, pens and small notepads, and a pocket Bible for Easter and Christmas. Other small items we have received may be included if space allows.
CARDS
Finally, the MOST important part of the care package… your cards and letters! This is what the troops really love receiving. They read them over and over during their deployment. Sometimes they get hung up to be viewed every day. Many times they are carried back home after deployment is over. We include 10-15 cards and letters in every care package we send.
Once all these items have been strategically placed into the box, we fill every last inch of space with things we call “fillers”. This is usually loose individually wrapped pieces of candy. Then we tape it up securely and add a mailing label. Instead of a box… we now have a completed care package!
Building a Care Package
Are you wondering what it takes to transform a pile of empty boxes into care packages?? Read on to find out!
We have at least 4 bulk shipments, called Operation SEND, each year… for Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If ample donations are received, we will squeeze in another one during the summer months.
The first step of the care package process is, of course, the box. We have various volunteers who stamp our name on the sides of the boxes and then tape the bottoms. Let the filling begin!
Item #1 – Wipes
ONE PACKAGE OF WIPES PER BOX — Body wipes or baby wipes are very valuable during deployment. Imagine being “in the field” for weeks or months at a time… with no running water. These. Are. Priceless.
Item #2 – Socks
ONE OR TWO PAIR PER BOX — Keeping feet dry and blister free are of utmost importance during deployment. We try to include two pair of socks if inventory allows.
Item #3 – Proteins
TWO PER BOX — We include items such as Beanee Weenee, vienna sausage, and cans or pouches or chicken and tuna. Pouches or pull-tab cans are best since no can openers are needed.
Item #4 – Candy Bag
ONE CANDY BAG PER BOX — This is a sandwich size ziploc bag filled with an assortment of goodies! This includes almost any kind of individually wrapped candy EXCEPT chocolate, lollipops, and Jolly Ranchers. The bag holds about 2 1/2 cups of candy and a package of gum. OH, don’t forget to “BURP” the bag before sealing it. This means remove as much air as possible from the bag so it takes up less space in the care package.
Item #5 – Snack Bag
ONE SNACK BAG PER BOX — This is another sandwich size ziploc bag filled with various snack items. We include a package of crackers, nuts, cookies, snack bar, and 5 beef sticks or jerky. Remember to BURP the bag.
Item #6 – Drink Bag
ONE DRINK BAG PER BOX — This is a sandwich size ziploc bag containing a variety of drink mixes. We include several individual serving packets of coffee, tea, cocoa, and Crystal Light. Remember to BURP!
Item #7 – Personal Bag
ONE PERSONAL CARE BAG PER BOX — This is a sandwich size ziploc bag containing personal care items. Many of these are travel size items like shampoo & conditioner, lotion, body wash, toothpaste, and tissues. We also include dental floss, lip balm and lens wipes. If inventory allows, we may also include nasal spray, mouthwash, sunscreen, foot powder, hand sanitizer, or feminine hygiene items. As usual, burp the bag!
Other items
Other items we include in the care package are a deck of playing cards, a puzzle book, pens and small notepads, and a pocket Bible for Easter and Christmas. Other small items we have received may be included if space allows.
CARDS
Finally, the MOST important part of the care package… your cards and letters! This is what the troops really love receiving. They read them over and over during their deployment. Sometimes they get hung up to be viewed every day. Many times they are carried back home after deployment is over. We include 10-15 cards and letters in every care package we send.
Once all these items have been strategically placed into the box, we fill every last inch of space with things we call “fillers”. This is usually loose individually wrapped pieces of candy. Then we tape it up securely and add a mailing label. Instead of a box… we now have a completed care package!