WHAT TO SEND OR AVOID
We've attached a summary of Afghan weather. Notice the highs and lows; let's emphasize sending things that will meet needs - e.g. hot chocolate, coffee, and tea for December - March.
Suggested Care Package Items (not in priority order):
SNACKS: Cookies (home baked should be cushioned appropriately), Slim Jims, Beef Jerky, Pringles, Trail Mix, gum, tuna fish (preferably in flexible pouches), mixed nuts, small, single packages of Propel, Gatorade or Crystal Light. Winter Time: Hot Chocolate, Coffee supplies (filters, creamer and sugar packets), instant coffee, coffee singles such as Starbucks VIA Ready Brew, tea bags.
HYGIENE ITEMS: mouth wash, foot powder, tooth brushes, body wash, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, floss, disposable or Gillette Mach 3, Sensor or Gillette Fusion razors w/extra replacement blades, Gel Shaving Cream, baby wipes/cleansing wipes, hand and body lotions (no sun screen - have enough), lip balm, Chap Stick, eye drops, Q-Tips for cleaning ears/weapons.
OTHER NECESSITIES: Socks – white over the ankle socks, shower shoes.
LEISURE ITEMS: Books, paperbacks, recent magazines – sports & automotive with emphasis on 20-30 year old readers. Public library as well as Goodwill are good sources for high-quality, inexpensive, used, recent magazines and books, board games, card games, DVD’s, AA & AAA batteries.
UNITS WITH FEMALES: sanitary supplies, hair conditioner, soaps/lotions (non fragrant due to bugs), hair brushes, combs. Mark outside of box "For Female".
ITEMS FOR INDIGENOUS KIDS: FOR DISTRIBUTION BY TROOPS: pens, pencils, crayons small, art supplies, notebooks, books (Arabic books are a huge favorite), individually wrapped hard candy, toys (with no nation-specific symbols).
PHONE CARDS: Phone cards would still help some Soldiers call family members not near a military base. The cost would be from the military base to the family member.
ITEMS TO AVOID: chocolate, fragrant soap, perfume.
May you enjoy filling the box as much as the Soldier/Marine who receives it will appreciate your kindness…………
(rev 12-5-11)