It's Almost Time For Sending Packages

I've had several requests for my list of commonly requested care package items. While we still don't have an address for Tom, we should have one within the next several days. The list contains all of the commonly requested items with a few thrown in specifically for Tom. If you're interested in sending a care package to Tom (or to one of his guys who doesn't receive any packages) here's the list.

FOOD ITEMS:

• beef jerky
  
• energy/granola bars
• trail mix (no chocolate)
• canned fruit with lift-off lids, applesauce cups
• nuts
• chips/pretzels (Tom really likes all Snyders except jalapeno)
• hard candy
• smarties/sweet tarts for children
• powdered energy drink packets (any pink or red flavors made for adding to water bottles)
• gum
• juice boxes
• cake in a jar
• cookies

HYGIENE ITEMS:

• Avon Skin So Soft (removing face paint)
• insect repellent (unscented or pleasantly scented would be best)
• sunscreen
• foot powder/spray
• Q-Tips
• Deodorant
• shampoo
• shower soap
• body lotion
• toothbrush & toothpaste
• Visine (getting sand out of eyes)
• baby wipes (alcohol-free, unscented is best)
• solid color washcloths, towels (solid brown)

PERSONAL ITEMS:

• Prepaid AT&T phone card (can purchase at https://thor.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx)
• books
• magazines
• gel shoe insoles
• puzzle books (sudoku, crossword, etc.)
• DVD's
• Video Games (Tom has his laptop and PSP)
  
• pens, paper, envelopes
• pillow, sheets, blanket (issued stuff is usually poor quality)
• canned air (for cleaning sand out of electronics
• Ziplock Freezer Bags for storing items (keeps out sand)
  

DO NOT SEND:

• Anything that melts (if you just must send chocolate, send M&Ms)
• waterless hand cleaner/sanitizer (just makes mud)
  
• liquor
• pork products
• pornography of any sort. (This includes "soft porn" such as Playboy magazine)

The USPS has flat-rate boxes for shipping to Iraq. Shipping information can be found at http://www.bootsonground.com/usps-shipping-faq.htm. Anything that you send that can either melt or leak needs to be double bagged in freezer bags to prevent your packing from leaking onto and ruining other packages. Also, if you send anything that requires batteries make sure that there the batteries are not installed in the package. It sets off a bomb detector and your package will be destroyed.

And just so I have all of my bases covered, a recipe for cake in a jar can be found at http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cake-in-a-Jar/Detail.aspx. You will have to mail the frosting in its' original, sealed container. We may want to coordinate who will be sending one and when so that he doesn't end up with 3 cakes for his birthday. :)