Any interest in a group effort for our military?

[calcav25]

Thank you for all the expired coupons and things you do for military families. I went to the commissary today and saved 45 dollars. I had to pay 150. But my family is stationed overseas and you can't get BOGO frees and things like that. So I really appreicate the expired coupons you guys are sending to Germany. It helps alot.
Melanie

[proudnana]

My daughter is in the Air Force and hasn't been to Iraq yet, but I know it is coming. She is pregnant right now and I know she will be deployed later on and I worry so much. I am going to send a soldier a letter and get a box sent out with the stuff that you all suggest. Thank you so much for helping our Military...I just pray that they all return home soon!

Thanks again, a loving and caring and Proud Military Mom!!!!

[proudnana]

I am sending out a package of coupons to her also. I will get them together and get with my daughter and friends at work. My daughter is also in the Air Force. I have started buying stuff to send a box out to the soldiers in Iraq. This is awesome and my friend at work wants me to get her an address, as she would like to do it also. Thanks to everyone for your support!

[Baird]

Wanted to mention that AnySoldier say never to pack food with non-food items. Apparently the smell leaches out of plastic, shampoo, etc. and into the food.

Now I have a question for those of you who have sent before. (I am preparing my first package.) I know it is terribly hot in Iraq. Will cookies like Oreos with icing be ok, or will the icing melt?

How about hard candies like Lifesavers?

Any other tips on items that are particularly appreciated? I have already purchased Pringles and gum. Plan to get some Crystal Light Pink Lemonade too.

[Leanna]

You know, I have sent out many packages, but don't know the answer to the Oreo question. I would place the bag of cookies in a ziplock and see what happens. It'll probably be fine. Besides the individual drink mixes which seem to be a big hit, especially In summer, I've noticed that dried fruit, fruit cups, jerkey, protein bars, peanut butter, nuts, sunflower seeds, granola bars, tuna or chicken in a pouch or flip top can are all big hits; crackers and chips, too. Of course, candy is coveted by a lot of groups - lifesavers and other hard candies should keep well. Chocolate turns into a puddle in the heat, but I guess that M&M's do fine. Oh, and coffee is also asked for - if you also send hot chocolate mixes, they can make 'mochas'; ND creamer, too.

If your group has a freezer, those freeze pops or otter pops are very welcome!

[bnkkey]

Those are alot of what my son-in law requested when he was in Iraq a couple months ago.He also liked the Red Bull drinks too,air freshners,and his Diesel mag!

[Baird]

Thanks so much for your advice. Very helpful!

[Baird]

One more question. How about aerosols? Are they OK, or would they explode in the heat?

[Leanna]

One is not supposed to send aerosols bc of explosion possibility. Many things come in spray pump bottles, though.

Oh, and just to mention, that advice about not combining hygiene items with food is good advice. They say the cookies end up tasting like deodorant!

I wonder how many bright green Garnier Fructis bottles are in the Middle East now!

[savingsbug]

Originally Posted by mandies2happy

Hello all,

I'd first like to say i will keep all of your families in my prayers. I have a cousin who is somewhere in the middle east right now but he can not tell us where. I'm sure some of you know how that goes.
Well the reason i write to you is because of a military family in need that we can all help.
Her name is Valarie Philips, They are a family of 5 in Yokota Japan. They will be there until 2012. They still are paying on all of the things they had here in the states and now all the things they have there in Japan. They are having a hard time with money and now the christmas coming they are worried. What she is looking for is expired coupons. I'm not sure if you know but on oversea's military bases they can use expired coupons up to 6 months after they expire.
They can not be from a spec. store ie: target, kroger etc. but they can use once printed from the internet. If we could all send some that would help not only her family but many others on the base. THey are finding it harder and harder to get coupons there on base. She has lots of others who need help on base. Please do not send any that are more than a couple of months past expiration date as it does take awhile for the package to be sent to japan. If you can please separte Q's into food and non food envelopes.If you have any questions i'd be happy to answer them. I will be in touch with her.
I'd like to thank you in advance not only from me but from the Philips family and the many other families and the Yokota Military base.

Valarie Philips
PSC 78 Box 2684
APO, AP 96326-

Mandies2happy- Just read your post, but will be sending an envelope today with expired coupons. I had been wondering exactly what I could do with all these!