Send a Care Package
Discover a wealth of resources to assist you in sending care packages to your loved ones in the military. Explore the curated list of links provided here, designed to streamline the process and ensure your packages reach their destination safely and efficiently.
Whether you’re a parent, relative, friend, or just a patriotic American wanting to show your support, these links empower you to create thoughtful packages that bring comfort and joy to service members far from home. Dive in and make a difference in the lives of those who serve our country!
If you’d rather send a care package on your own, review our suggested guidelines and step-by-step instructions here.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEWLY ENLISTED
*Sending care packages during boot camp may seem like a thoughtful gesture, but it’s essential to understand the guidelines and considerations involved. When recruits first depart for basic training, they typically carry minimal personal items. This is because the military furnishes all necessities during boot camp, including meals, housing, and basic toiletries. Any duplicate items from home are usually stored and only accessible after graduation.
Most military branches discourage care packages for recruits in boot camp to avoid distractions and maintain discipline. Unauthorized packages could even result in disciplinary action for the entire unit, as per the directives of the drill instructors. Therefore, it’s advisable to wait until after basic training to send packages.
However, sending letters to recruits is encouraged and appreciated. A simple letter from home can provide much-needed encouragement during the rigorous demands of basic training. When sending letters, use plain paper and envelopes, and refrain from decorating them to avoid drawing unwanted attention to the recruit.
After boot camp, when recruits have more freedom, is the ideal time to send military care packages. These packages can be a meaningful way to express appreciation and support for service members’ sacrifices.
Use One of These Providers, or Send a Care Package On Your Own
Troopster is a 501(c)3 cause-driven organization, founded in 2015 by a U.S. veteran to support the Armed Forces community, deployed service members, military spouses, and families with a resource to send/receive personalized and unique care packages.
Operation: Care and Comfort programs include sending care packages to deployed service members, providing tickets to entertainment and sporting events, and offering emergency financial assistance to veterans in need.
Soldiers’ Angels provides aid, comfort, and resources to the Military, Veterans, and their families. Care Packages from the Angel Care Package Store may only be purchased for service members you have currently adopted and are supporting through Soldiers’ Angels.
Military Support Foundation, Inc.
Military Support Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. When you make a monetary donation, you will help with the shipping cost for care packages to deployed troops. You will also help fill those packages with items.
Military Missions In Action has sent thousands of Care Packages downrange, to members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. You can request to have a care package sent directly to a service member by name.
Operation Shoebox embraces a practical mission of providing hands-on support for our troops deployed overseas. It is the mission of Operation Shoebox to meet the needs of every actively deployed soldier that requests a care package.
Packages From Home serves Active Duty US military members stationed or deployed overseas (to include military working dogs & military K9 teams) as well as homeless, transitioning, and at-risk veterans by providing them with requested food, hygiene, and entertainment items to boost morale and quality of life.
The Little Patriots Embraced Family Package
The Little Patriots Embraced Family Package was designed for our military families. Items in this deployment package offer emotional support for family members. Research shows that the contents of a deployment package help alleviate stress and anxiety for children.
For The Troops is an all-volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing members of the American military with ‘We Care’ packages containing basic necessities, goodies, games, and—most of all—a show of support.
Hero Care Packages is a 100% veteran-owned and run small business who creates care packages to send to soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, both at home and abroad.
Sending a Care Package On Your Own
When preparing a military care package, consider including items tailored to the recipient’s preferences and needs. For parents or relatives, essentials like toiletries, favorite snacks, and comforting items are thoughtful choices. For partners or significant others, heartfelt notes, small tokens of affection, and reminders of home can uplift spirits.
Here are some popular military care package ideas:
- Necessities such as sunscreen, socks, underwear, lip balm, and non-perishable snacks.
- Homemade treats like cookies or “cake in a jar,” packaged securely to prevent damage.
- Entertainment items like playing cards, puzzles, or books.
- Stationery for writing letters back home, including paper, envelopes, and pens.
- Personal touches like photos or daily tear-off calendars with encouraging notes.
PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED ITEMS
When sending a care package to a military service member, it’s crucial to be aware of items that are prohibited or restricted to ensure the package complies with regulations and arrives safely. Here are some common items that you generally cannot send in a military care package:
Alcohol: Sending alcoholic beverages is typically prohibited due to military regulations and postal restrictions.
Perishable Foods: Avoid sending perishable foods that could spoil during transit, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and homemade goods that require refrigeration.
Weapons and Ammunition: Firearms, explosives, knives, and other weapons or ammunition are strictly prohibited from being sent through the mail.
Illegal Substances: Any illegal drugs or substances, including marijuana and controlled substances, are strictly prohibited.
Obscene or Offensive Materials: Materials that are obscene, pornographic, or otherwise offensive, are not allowed.
Hazardous Materials: Items classified as hazardous materials, including flammable, corrosive, or toxic substances, are prohibited.
Currency or Monetary Items: Sending cash, checks, or other monetary items is generally not allowed due to security concerns.
Lithium Batteries: Lithium batteries, particularly in large quantities, are subject to strict regulations and may be prohibited or restricted.
Sensitive Information: Avoid including sensitive or classified materials, such as military documents, personal identification, or confidential information.
Large or Bulky Items: Items that are excessively large, heavy, or bulky may be difficult to ship and may incur additional postage fees.
When sending a care package, ensure it’s properly sealed and packaged to withstand handling during shipping. Utilize sturdy packaging materials, such as those provided in free Military Care Kits from the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, accurately label the package with the recipient’s full military address and complete any required customs forms for international shipments.
It’s essential to review the specific guidelines provided by the postal service and military authorities for shipping care packages to military addresses, as regulations may vary depending on the destination and circumstances. Additionally, consider the practicality and appropriateness of each item before including it in a care package to ensure that it will be well-received by the recipient.