When was the last time you sent a care package to your operational loved one? What were some of the items you packed inside?  Most of you probably included photos, handwritten notes, art projects from the kids, something homebaked, a few creature comforts, a favorite magazine … does this simple list ring a bell?  It’s pretty easy to pack up a super box of love when sending it to someone in your family.  But what if you’re sending out boxes to those you DON’T know personally? Maybe your spouses’ group has chosen to adopt a sister squadron or you’re preparing packages for IA’s from another base?  Would you work off the same packing list?

With our involvement in Operation Valentine this month, we’re helping put together hundreds of care packages, and to do so we delved a little deeper into what makes not only a great care package, but also a useful one.   Some of these items may already be on your list, and some of the items may surprise you!

Everyone loves a little snack! We packed nuts, cookies, trail mix, dried fruit, oriental snack mix, novelty candy, granola, yogurt raisins.

Quench that thirst … or maybe just flavor up the water:  Soldiers love individually wrapped tea bags and single serving size drink mix (small enough to fit in a backpack and flavors up a bottle of water or canteen), honey sticks, hot chocolate mix, lemon juice packets, instant coffee packs.

For the shower and when you can’t get to one: Personal Hygeine items like baby wipes (often replaces showers), razors, travel size shampoos, deodorants, baby powder, q-tips (great for ears and guns), travel packs of tissue, travel size hand sanitizer, footcare products (socks get sweaty), feminine hygiene items (tampons can also stuff bullet wounds), soft decorative washcloths, scrubby sponges, make-up sponges, body spray, lip balm and more.

Boredom busters to break the doldrums:  Puzzle books that include crosswords, word searches, and Sudoku.  MadLibs, sketch pads, graph papers and don’t forget colored pens, pencils and Sharpies.  Send your local newspaper or magazines too!

Miscellaneous items:  Febreze products, dryer sheets, stain sticks, note cards, i-tunes gift cards, nose strips, sunscreen, bug repellent and more.

Now get that box sealed and in the mail!

What do you suggest?  Leave a comment and share your ideas!