Just a reminder

[LeftyMom]

There are veg*n soldiers who could use care packages posted on http://anysoldier.com/ I checked tonight and search turned up three vegetarians and a vegan, in the past there have been more. If you can gather together a box of shelf stable and microwavable food, cereal, granola bars, etc it's always greatly appreciated. Throwing a few magazines, DVDs, etc in is nice too. The really cool part is that the shipping is the same as domestic, so if you cram it all in a flat rate priority mail box you're only out $8 and change for shipping, which is a bargain to help somebody maintain thier health and live thier ethics in a very challenging enviornment.

Stuff I've found squeezes into a box well:
-tastybite entrees
-instant rice
-fantastic foods instant stuff like hummus or sloppy joes
-dehydrated soup packets
-granola or energy bars
-fruit leather (this is a really good thing to send because the access to fresh fruits and veggies can be really spotty)
-teabags
-instant soy cocoa packets and vegan marshmallows (I put these in a box before Christmas last year)
-instant oatmeal packets
-seasoning packets
-veg jerky
-chocolate bars, cookies and other small treats
-body care stuff for a dry enviornment like lotion, sunscreen, lip moisturizer
-nuts, dehydrated fruits, etc

All items must be factory sealed, unfortuntately they are permitted no bulk purchase or homemeade items.

Remember that anything you send must be shelf-stable and anything melty won't make the trip right now, but that chocolate and such will be fine in October or so.

PS When you are ready to ship, you will need to stand in line and do a customs form at the Post Office. Just list "sealed food" as the contents, there's no need to itemize every luna bar and fruit leather.

PPS If you have a Trader Joes nearby they're a great source of stuff.

[NMMNG]

1. That's a neat idea

Then the Rethugs can't be the only ones claiming to "support our soldiers" because they have yellow ribbon magnets on their SUVs. :rofl:

[LeftyMom]

2. It's pretty fun too

Shopping for somebody else, trying to sqeeze as many goodies as possible into a box, etc. I was especially gratified when the first unit I sent stuff to sent me a card to let me know that they were out of Iraq and safe.

[NMMNG]

3. I like giving gifts

I'm rather broke right now but I'm sure I can get a decent box of stuff together. I have a natural foods store about 8 miles from me so I can run down there in the near future and get some things.