This conversation got started on another thread as an aside to a different topic. I think it deserves its own thread. "My" soldier is my nephew, but most who post here talk about their sons and daughters serving, so I thought Parenting was the best place.
Here are some things my nephew has requested. I can't wait to see what others send. We need some new ideas!
Unscented baby wipes (Everything there is dirty, all the time)
Jerky
Proteins of any kind, including tuna and salmon in pouches or cans,
SPAM, Vienna sausages (I know, but when they're on long missions they'll eat anything
), canned chicken, etc.
Hard candies like lemon drops, Jolly Ranchers, peppermints, etc.
Coffee
Clean white cotton socks. They have many uses; even as coffee filters!
Games like chess, checkers, etc.
Magazines and catalogs, Soduko, cards, etc.
Colored pencils/charcoals and sketch pads.
Disposable cameras
Int'l phone cards
EmergenC drink packets
Pictures from home- even the most mundane things are welcomed. My nephew's unit has them all over a big wall. Everyday scenes like birthday parties, hikes, fishing, BBQs, etc.
I'll add more to this later, but you get the idea. Also- we send food and non-food separately, and put anything strong-smelling or potentially leaky in freezer bags before shipping. No one wants sugar cookies that taste like jerky!
If you'd like to help, but don't personally know anyone serving right now, don't let that stop you! It amazes me how many don't get ANYTHING. Anyone who posts here can give you an address and that soldier will pass it on to someone who needs it.
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