If your son, daughter, spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend is going on an overseas deployment and you want to make a care package for her or him, read on.This article will show you how to make one but not what you can put in it.
Step 1: You can buy a brown box.
You don't want the box to be too large or small.Go to www.usps.com and click on FLAT RATE when mailing from the U.S.Flat rate boxes can be found for addresses in the United States.You can get these boxes for free from the USPS.The flat rate is usually cheaper than shipping by weight.
Step 2: If you're going to send anything, make sure it's in travel-sized accessories.
It will be easier for marines to carry around.
Step 3: You can tape the box up after you've finished.
You may have to pay a fee or fill out a customs form if you take the box to a non-military post office.If you go to a military post office, you'll need to fill out a customs form.
Step 4: You can find the address of a service member.
It's important to write it correctly.This format can be used with the name: SSGT.The 1st Grenade Repair Co. 123 Dud Testing Btn is located in the City, State, Zip.
Step 5: If you don't know what your Service-member wants, they'll give it to someone else.
There are Female Service-members overseas too.
Step 6: Look for the cheapest things.
Take a few $1 toothbrushes, travel medicine, and generic brand things.They use generic baby wipes to clean themselves and their weapons.
Step 7: Think of things that a marine would like to do.
Car, sport, and gaming magazines are very good.Travel games, pens, paper, notebooks, envelopes, and extra calling cards are great for communication.They don't need stamps because they can mail letters back to the states for free.They use AA batteries for everything from CD players to flashlights and anything else that requires batteries.
Step 8: Everything is put in Ziplock bags.
Sand and other things can get into the stuff.The military uses the bags for other uses.
Step 9: Before putting it in the box, make sure to secure cookies and other candy.
If you plan to send food like this, make sure you send it as soon as possible.
Step 10: Wrap laptops and other valuables in bubble wrap a few times and tape them up.
Step 11: Send items such as Q-Tips in their original packaging.
Step 12: Avoid things that can melt.
Iraq can get up to 120 F.
Step 13: Care packages should not be rated higher than P-13.
When they come home, leave all personal situations between you and your partner.Remove all adult items from it.
Step 14: All boxes are inspected.
It's a bad idea to put food and smell in the same box.You don't want your service member to eat cookies that taste like foot cream.