For decades, sending care packages has been a popular way American Legion Auxiliary members and volunteers have shown support and love for our nation’s military servicemembers deployed abroad. Getting goodies, necessities, and kind messages from back home can be a comfort to them.
There are many things to consider when starting a military care package program. For example, the packages have to be mailed to a specific servicemember. Ask around your neighborhood, church, etc., to identify families with deployed loved ones.
What to Send — Here are a few ideas:
Drink mix packets
Pre-packaged, individual-size healthy snacks
Non-perishable, pre-packaged food
Pre-packaged, individually wrapped chocolate candies or bars (mailed during the winter to decrease the chances of the chocolate melting)
Travel-size toiletries Don’t forget to check the expiration dates!
Include a brief note in the care package, letting the recipient know that your ALA unit is the sender.
What NOT to Send — There are restrictions on what can be shipped using the U.S. Postal Service. Plus, some international governments prohibit certain products from coming into their countries. Get details at your local post office, or visit www.USPS.com/ship/shippingrestrictions.htm.
"You have to be there to see it. The joy you get from the veterans, the appreciation they show you. Some of them have been kind of estranged from their families, so this is a way for them to get back in their families’ lives. You see that every year, and you want to go back and help again."
- Linda Liebenow, ALA Christmas Gift Shop Volunteer: 1997-present and member of Auxiliary Unit 6 in Hillsboro, Ore.
ALA templates, operations guides, manuals, program action plans, handbooks, bylaws, toolkits and more are available to ALA Members on our Member Portal. (log-in required)
