5 Tips for Creating The Perfect Care Package
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #USOCarePacks #CollectiveBias
If I had to choose one cause or organization to support for the rest of my life, the choice would be simple. Without a doubt, I’d happily support the USO forever. I honestly don’t believe there is any other organization out there that does as much for the troops and their families, as the USO.
When John came home from Afghanistan 4 years ago, local USO volunteers were there to meet his unit at the airfield with snacks and drinks. Thanks to two USO programs, we kept in relatively constant contact for the 12+ months he was gone. PLUS, while he was gone, I was able to take the girls to the Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families at our base. Oh, and let’s not forget the USO entertainment that visited his FOB in Afghanistan.
Right there you have FIVE examples of how the USO helped us through a year-long deployment. Had I traveled at all that year, I guarantee the USO centers in airports would be #6 on that list!
The USO does so much to help the military and military families, and this summer they’re doing even more! Between Memorial Day and 4th of July, Coca-Cola™ and Sam’s Club are helping connect club members with the USO and providing care packages to troops overseas.
Coca-Cola is hoping to donate between 3000 and 5000 USO packages overseas. You can help support this effort by purchasing Coca-Cola in custom patriotic packaging at Sam’s Club this summer or by donating to the USO!
Another way to support our military overseas is by sending a care package stuffed with with essentials. If you don’t personally know any deployed service members, there are plenty ways to adopt one. Once upon a time, I was the care package queen, so here are a few pointers for creating the perfect care package to send overseas or even to long-distance loved ones!
Tips for sending care packages
- Send useful items: There usually isn’t a whole lot of storage space downrange. When sending packages, consider sending some of the most sought after items. Popular items include:
- Baby wipes
- Lip balm
- Chewing gum
- Crackers/cookies
- Popcorn
- Microwave meals
- Coca-Cola cans with patriotic USO packaging
- Wrap up liquids: NEW Mini Can Coca-Cola Classics are the perfect size for fitting into care packages. You can fit eight in a gallon sized plastic bag. Protect the contents of your package, as well as the contents of any other packages by placing your Coca-Cola or any other liquids inside of plastic zipper bags!
- Use flat-rate boxes: Unless you’re sending a box full of feathers (I did send a pillow once), flat-rate is usually the way to go! Especially when you’re sending heavier items, such as cans of Coca-Cola. You’d be surprised by how much you can fit into a large flat-rate box. The post office will even discount shipping by a dollar or two when sending to an APO/FPO address.
- Add some flair: One of my favorite parts of sending care packages is decorating the interior. Large flat rate boxes are 12″ x 12″, which makes scrapbook paper the perfect option for decorating! Simply cut 2 sheets of 12″ x 12″ scrapbook paper in half, and glue each half sheet to the interior box flaps! You can add stickers, photos, or personalized notes as well.
- Separate toiletries and food: Learn from my mistake. Don’t ship items like soap or toothpaste together with food items. Even with great packaging, the soapy scents can leach into the food after sitting in the heat for extended periods. No one wants cookies that taste like mountain springs. Trust me.
Next time you’re at your local Sam’s Club, be sure to pick up a case of of Coca-Cola and support the USO!