We want to show our support to the folks who are far from their families fighting this war and we want to do all we can to show them that they are not forgotten. We realize how cool it would be to coordinate a huge drive to collect tons of materials and money to send to all the 101,009 all kinds of stuff to make them feel better.

And we can do it!

But maybe we shouldn't.

We learned a number of lessons the last 4 years, and hope to do things better this year. Please read on.

This is really a tough call. Every year so many folks wait until the holidays to send their packages that units were buried, not to mention the APO. Keep this in mind: most all units have no place for massive amounts of packages, nor the means to move them.

So, what are you supposed to do? Simple, really.

You should never send more then about 5 packages to any address at the same time. Actually, 1-2 a day is best. Chances are you are not the only person sending something and the soldiers will have to deal with the packages on their 'down time', which I can tell you isn't much at all.
We can't stress this enough:
NO large shipments at the same time to the same address. Ever.

Send early. OK, that's a new one.

Keep the packages SMALL!!! Remember, this is about support, not just stuff. Think about this: Mail call, the hears his/her name called out, with joy he/she gazes toward the box that the mail clerk points to. Friggin box is bigger than the tent he/she lives in. Weighs more then a Battalion Commander! Not cool...

Are we saying don't do anything? NO!!! We are asking for you to realize that you can be part of the solution. The many wonderful folks who have participated in supporting our service members have been simply outstanding in their generosity. There is no doubt you will continue.

Many, many people will not know about this and with good intentions actually help cause a huge log jam. I am asking for all the folks involved with the Any Soldier Inc. web site and effort to not do big drives this holiday, or at least really think how what you will do effects the folks you are trying to support. Help them all year, not just the holidays. Consider a monetary donation to Any Soldier Inc. who does send thousands of care packages to units during the non-holidays.

Here is a perfect example from a supporter:
"Wouldn't it be fun to send "Happy Thanksgiving in September" and "Merry Christmas in October" packages with a note saying that you'll resume sending packages after the holidays? It could be Thanksgiving in October and Christmas in November if the packages aren't sent to close to the holidays. The packages could contain cards and decorations for the troops as well as cards for them to send to their loved ones. They would still know that they are remembered and cared about and the mail service would be less overwhelmed at the holidays.
Just a thought.
Yours,
Lee"