If you're like most of us, you will never forget where you were standing on September 11, 2001. Though America has many days in its calendar filled with joy and success we also have our fair share of days we remember because they were marked by tragedy. For my parents it was the assassination of JFK here in Dallas. For my grandparents it was the attack on Pearl Harbor. For my generation it was 9/11. In the months following the hijackings and the senseless deaths of American civilians, our nation was brimming with brotherhood and patriotism. Sadly, the years to follow brought turmoil and discord as we engaged in a war controversial to some. I think we can all agree with politics aside, that the soldiers who are putting themselves at a daily risk, who are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to fight the kind of terrorism we all remember watching as the towers crumbled, should be honored.
A few weeks ago, Mr. SG and I decided that to honor our men and women in the armed forces we would commit to sending monthly care packages. We couldn't think of a better day to start than today. We found a great organization called Any Soldier. http://www.anysoldier.com/ Any Soldier was started by a soldier who found inspiration from troops in his command that weren't receiving any letters or packages. Now, commanding officers can register troops that they have observed don't receive any mail. The thought of this of course tugged at my heart strings ... these soldiers, in all of their selflessness ask for so little - they deserve some deodorant and Easy Mac now-and-then. So we picked a group of soldiers living in a tent meant for 20 but actually housing 30, who are hopefully coming home in September 2010. Their requests were simple; a variety of body wash for the 3 men and 3 women registered and then feminine products and some pajama pants for the ladies. They mentioned some food would be nice but they'd appreciate anything. Well .... it being our first time and all we went a little overboard. Below are the pictures of our loot ....
Included in this collection is: Chapstick, sun block, body wash, foot powder, deodorants, lotion, baby wipes, face cleansing towels, pads, tampons, panty liners, aspirin, cushion sole inserts, pajama pants, pens, hot pink nail polish for the ladies, a pink brush/mirror combo, Easy Mac, granola bars, cereal, fruit roll ups, gold fish, power bars, peanut butter crackers, breakfast bars, Oreo's, magazines like Glamour and Men's Health and of course, candy corn since Halloween is coming up.
The website provided the ideas for the extraneous items. Most of them came from the 1$ toiletries section at Target. And like I said - this was overboard. Next month we're thinking doing a few bubble-wrap envelopes with just chap stick, sunscreen and baby wipes.
But think how fun this could be?! If you're a teacher or in an office you can make this a group thing. Someone is in charge of lotion, someone is in charge of batteries, etc ...
There is also http://www.treatanysoldier.com/ that creates and sends the packages for you. They are extremely well priced and it requires a few clicks of the mouse. Mr. SG and I see ourselves alternating between making our own and the pre-made boxes.
No matter your circumstance, you can at least take the time and postage to send a letter. Think about the kind of sacrifice these men and women make and write from the heart.
Stay Chic,
HSG
IT is great to send more essentials especial food. My brother has been in Afghanistan since last November and my mom always sent food, since there were days when he did not eat and when we saw him for the two weeks he came home we could tell he lost a lot of weight, and he is not a big guy to begin with. So, food is great. I am sure whoever received your package really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeletethank you for doing this- hopefully many more will follow your example!
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