The following list contains items frequently requested by U.S. soldiers and Marines serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Please note that aerosol products cannot be shipped overseas. Also, all items must be in their original packaging. When in doubt, think small. It is easier to ship smaller packaged items than large, economy size.
Lip balm
Sun block
Moist wipes
Bug spray - non-aerosol
Bars of soap
Small bottles of shampoo
Deodorant - non-aerosol
Powdered drink mixes
Cereal/Snack/Granola bars
Instant oatmeal – individual packets
Boxes of hot chocolate that contain individual packets
Small cans of tuna with pop-tops
Small cans of fruit with pop-tops
Microwave popcorn - individual bags can be sent
Athletic socks
Batteries - all sizes
Gum
Candy
Small boxes of cereal
Small bags of trail mix, peanuts, pretzels
Notes:
• Post cards are also great to send in the packages. You can pre-address the postcard to yourself or your organization with a note asking the service member to please let you know if they received the package.
• You DO NOT have to put a stamp on the post cards -- the service member can mail them for free back to the states.
• The U.S. Postal Service offers FREE boxes for Priority Mail. You can also order free boxes from the USPS online store (for use with Priority Mail shipping only). The Recommended size is the #4 or #7 box.
Or call 1-800-222-1811.
• Wrap items well when packing soap/toiletries in the same package as food items. In warm weather, it's best not to include these in the same package!