Montana Supporting Soldiers
Care Packages
In order for your care packages to arrive to your servicemember in good condition, the items must be prepped correctly and packed correctly.
There’s no sense in sending the package if it’s going to be ruined when it arrives.
Tape lids on liquids and powders.
Put shampoos, soaps, powders and similar items together in Ziploc bags.
Put dental care items in Ziploc bags.
Put food items in Ziploc bags, it protects them and keeps them fresher.
Do not put soaps, etc. in same bag as food or dental care items.
Troops like to keep things in Ziploc bags to keep sand and bugs out.
Take batteries out of items before shipping. Send extra batteries!
Use a sturdy cardboard box.
Use plenty of packing peanuts or bubble wrap on top, sides and bottom of box.
Your package must withstand rough handling and 200 pounds or more stacked on top of it!
Make sure the box is solid when you press hard on it. If not, add more packing.
Use heavy duty clear packing tape. This tape holds up best to heat and cold.
DO NOT use strapping tape – it splits.
DO NOT use string! It catches on things.
DO NOT wrap outside of box in paper! Paper can get torn off, along with address.
PROHIBITED ITEMS!
Alcohol
Flammable Items
Aerosols of any kind!
Pornography
Anti-Muslim Literature
Items must hold up to 120° heat!
NO CHOCOLATE!
Cards and letters of support and encouragement
**Good quality coffee!!
**Powdered drink mix in single servings
Cool ties neck wraps in tan or gray material
Black or white boot or crew socks
White ankle socks
Men’s boxer briefs – Med. & Large
Tan T-shirts – Med. & Large
Flip flops for shower shoes – men’s & women’s various sizes
Good pillows and extra pillow cases
Chap stick – solid stick, not liquid tube
Travel size – lotion, shampoo, sunscreen, liquid soap
Loofas - good for getting rid of sand
Non-aerosol stick deodorant
Squirt guns
Splash balls
Water balloons
Nasal spray
Eye drops
Plastic baskets with handles for transporting shampoo, soap, etc. to shower area
Small fans
Flashlights
Stationery, envelopes and pens
Bags of individually wrapped hard candy
Sunflower seeds and mixed nuts
Dried fruit
Granola and protein bars
Beef jerky (especially Hi-Country Beef Jerky)
Tuna in the pouch, and tuna lunch kits
Ramon noodles
Peanut butter - plastic jar
Plastic silverware
Puzzle / word search books
Current DVDs - comedy, western, mystery, thrilleriTunes gift cards
Current hunting, fishing, sports, health magazines
AA and AAA batteries
Battery operated small reading light
Playing cards
Dartboard & darts, extra tips and flights
Cards and letters of support and encouragement
**Good quality coffee!!
*Hand and toe warmers
Fleece blankets
Glove liners
Black or white boot or crew socks
White ankle socks
Flip flops for shower shoes – men’s & women’s various sizes
Current DVDs - comedy, western, mystery, thriller
iTunes gift cards
Small reading light & batteries
Stationery and pens
Rice Krispie bars
Instant oatmeal in packets
Hot chocolate mix- envelopes
Flavored teas
Bagged individually wrapped candy
Sunflower seeds and mixed nuts
Dried fruit
Tuna and chicken in pouches
Granola and protein bars
Beef jerky (especially Hi-Country Beef Jerky)
Ramon noodles
Peanut butter - plastic jar
Plastic silverware
Baseballs & mitts
Word puzzle books
Dart board & darts, extra tips and flights
Current sports, hunting, health, and women’s magazines
AA and AAA batteries
Travel size – lotion, shampoo, sunscreen, liquid soap
Loofas - good for getting rid of sand
Non-aerosol stick deodorant
Moisturizing chap stick
Nasal spray, eye drops
Mach III razors and blades
Wipes, hand sanitizer
Plastic baskets with handles for transporting shampoo, soap, etc. to shower area