ragani: (Default)
Ragani ([personal profile] ragani) wrote2004-07-15 03:37 pm

Care package

Today I mentioned in a comment on a friend's post about finding out a friend is on alert to be sent to Iraq, that my cousin, Nick, is in the marines, and is currently deployed somewhere in Iraq right now. His mother suggested that [livejournal.com profile] abditus and I to write to him, and I would really like to do so, although I don't have much to tell him (still thinking of ideas though). More interesting would be a care package, which I have been seriously contemplating, especially since his 19th birthday is next month.

I had heard about sites that list ideas for care packages, and wanted to share not only the sites I found, but ask if anyone else has additional ideas. Oh, and unfortunately he does not use the internet much, or he would already have a Gmail account from me.

Here are a couple of sites I have had a chance to skim so far:
Operation Military Pride
Creating Care Packages for U.S. Troops (on a single parents About page)

So far, here are just some of the ideas I think might work for him from me:
• Magazines (per [livejournal.com profile] noirem's excellent suggestion)
• Edible treats of some sort (still figuring out what)
• Post cards, pen and stamps
• A deck of cards or other game (would Chez Grunt be too obvious?)

There are also a couple of sites where people can send a care package to any troop member, which I encourage people who do not know someone there, but wish to brighten the day of some random service member abroad. I think my cousin has received something like this, and was delighted and touched as the thoughtfulness of strangers.

Operation USO Care Package
Any Soldier

Yahoo! also lists a bunch of sites about this here.

No matter how much I might disagree with why these troops have been sent abroad, they are still our nation's family and friends. Even if I did not have any family or friends in the military, I think that supporting the individuals that make up these troops is a worthy cause.
themusecalliope: Vulpes Vulpes (Default)

Games

[personal profile] themusecalliope 2004-07-15 05:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Cheap Ass Games!!

[identity profile] hexadamsel.livejournal.com 2004-07-16 09:05 am (UTC)(link)
Last year my company sent a few care packages to husbands of employees and their troups. A great place to start is the $1 store. Shampoo, soap, and the daily things that we take for granted, they don't have much of. Magazines are also great. Books and of coarse Cheapass Games!!! Non-parishable food is good, canned food and what not. I know there is a lot more that I am forgetting, but hope that helps some.