Sending Care Packages to Troops

[Rockinacoustic]

I'm looking to start a program in my dorm building getting everyone to donate something towards a care package for our troops. Does anyone have any experience doing this or any hear-say of which organizations are the best to send one through?

Thanks in advance!

 

[FoBoT]

http://www.operationshoebox.com/

 

[shortylickens]

Last time I sent a package it went unthanked and from what I heard through mutual friends, unused.
Last I heard, the troops overseas these days are actually doing OK, at least with regards to getting access to junk at their local exchange. Mostly what they need now is to come home. Anything else probably wont be fully appreciated.

 

[mwmorph]

After all these years the Forward Operating Bases have been built up pretty well. It's not lacking for food or necessities anymore, there is a decent amount of internet and a decent level of living conditions. The guys I know that have been overseas to Iraq say the FOBs don't have AC (Army, the sissy boys in the Air Force have full AC) but otherwise are pretty good.

Free reading material is always nice, so is free candy, but it's not hell like it was in 2003. As of now, the packages are really bonuses, but not damn, it makes life so much easier necessities.

 

[destrekor]

You could always get in touch with the school's ROTC programs. I know our program will send stuff out to units and have collection boxes for that. Ask one of the staff to see if there will be a donation drive soon in which they'll be taking part, and see how you could help in the dorms.

But I wouldn't expect much participation in a dorm. You'll have a lot of people who couldn't give a shit, but mostly people who cannot afford to toss in the stuff that is most handy. Toiletries, other useful goods, are some of the things we tend to send over. Something they don't have to buy because it was gifted and importantly something they can use.
Other stuff like various junk foods are nice bonuses, stuff like sun flower seeds and tins of dip are popular.