How to Make Care Packages

Hi everyone! I hope you are having a great week so far!

This week, I will be sharing with you about how to make a great care package for your soldier. I asked my brother what his favorite things were that we sent him. Below, you will find the list of things that he sent me! I hope it helps!

1. Letters and Pictures! The number one thing he always looked forward to were letters and pictures! When he received a picture from an event, he said it made him feel like he was part of that event, even though he couldn't be there. He said they always made him smile and feel closer to home.

2. Snacks! Soldiers love getting snacks from home. These snacks are more than likely going to be shared with the other soldiers in the unit, so if it is possible, send a lot! Two of my brother's favorite snacks were beef jerky and nuts. He said they were always good snack food for missions.

3. Sunscreen! One thing that soldiers tend to forget they need is sunscreen. Sunscreen can be very useful, especially when soldiers are out on their missions. Temperatures can get very high overseas or in basic training, and your soldier could go days out in the field. It is important to keep their skin safe so they can stay as healthy as possible!

4. Hygiene Products! In basic training, one thing my brother always insisted on us sending him were baby wipes and mouthwash. When a soldier is in the field, they could go days without showering or brushing their teeth. The baby wipes and mouthwash would help him stay clean during these times.

5. Socks! It may sound like a small thing, but my brother loved getting new socks from us. He said they went through socks so quickly on missions that getting a new pack of socks would always make him happy.

6. Phone Cards and Writing Supplies! In basic training, my brother always asked for writing supplies, such as stamps, paper, and envelopes. This is really the only way we would be able to communicate with him, except the one hour a week phone calls. Phone cards are also very important so they can be sure to communicate with their loved ones at home as much as possible.

7. Anything Home-like! One thing my brother always looked forward to was something that would be either homemade or remind him of home. I am from South Jersey, and the beach has always been a big part of our lives. When my brother was away in Afghanistan, my friends and I sat on the beach and wrote him letters. When he wrote us back, he told us he could smell the beach on the letters, and it reminded him of home. From that moment, we wrote letters in very distinct places. In the fall, we wrote them by the bonfires. This would make him feel home, and he loved it.

8. Books and Games! I always thought that when soldiers were away, they were fighting 24 hours, 7 days a week. I realized, however, that I was wrong. They do have downtime that they need to find something to do. My brother always enjoyed when we would send him new books or a deck of cards. The unit would enjoy playing cards together, and my brother enjoyed reading in his alone time at night.

9. Medicine! Although they do have medics in the military that can prescribe medicine to your soldier, you should be sure to send them over-the-counter medicines, such as headache relievers, allergy medicine, and cold medicines that they could use in case they just need a quick remedy.

10. Anything Homemade! Along with anything that would remind him of home, I know my brother enjoyed when we sent him homemade snacks. His girlfriend would play a big part in doing this. She would find egg-less cookie recipes and send them to him all the time. You must be careful though because some cookies won't stay fresh. You should be sure to find recipes for cookies that can last a long time, without going bad. Also, try to stay away from chocolate. With the heat, chocolate will probably melt and make a mess.


I hope that was helpful! Remember, whatever you send your soldier will be searched by the Sargent.

 
The video listed below has some great tips for sending your soldier the perfect care package!