Support Our Soldiers
Help Fill Arc's Care Packages

In keeping with the AWC tradition of supporting our troops during times of war we will again be sending care packages to our soldiers. Minutes from the club meetings mention AWC members tearing bandages and knitting socks to send to the soldiers. While. knitted socks aren't on the top of the soldiers wish list today the need to hear from "home" is still very much needed and appreciated. This is a simple way we can show support to our troops. I spend the last two months on assignment working with soldiers who had just returned from Iraq. Receiving a care package is always a bright spot in a soldier's day. Most appreciated were hygiene products (airline toiletries are perfect) food /candies from home and games (they do get bored). I have listed some items but you can also surprise the soldiers with unique. Remember what you missed when you first moved here. Keep in mind that we will be sending to soldiers in Iraq, primarily male 18-23 years old. They laughed with me about receiving melted Hershey bars (it is hot in Iraq), dirty coffee cups and old copies of Good Housekeeping Obviously. M&M's washed coffee cups a car or computer magazine would have been better choices. Here are some ideas and please don't choice gifts that are too heavy.

CARE PACKAGES

Suggested items
Remember to think about the weight and try to keep to lighter items. Gently used items are okay. Keep the soldiers in mind, what would males 18-24 years old need, like in a desert climate.

Toiletries
Small sizes of items are appreciated and airline give-away bags are perfect Toothbrushes & toothpaste. Deodorant, body powder, Foot powder Air activated heat wraps for sore muscles, Lysol-type wipes/hand & face wipes Vitamins

Candy and food
Jelly beans, Altoids/mints, Beef jerk, Snack mixes, Sunflower seeds, Chewing gum, Nuts Spices, salt, pepper, Smoked oysters and sardines, Squeeze butter, Pringles chips, Individually-wrapped licorice, Microwave popcorn, Ramen noodles, Macaroni & cheese, Coffee Cookies in individual packages (Big bags often fill with dust if not eaten, right away Hot cocoa mix, Soup mix, No homemade items (they are thrown out). M&M's or other chocolate that won't melt

Games/ Entertainment
Music CD's, Magazines, DVD's, Poker game, Playing cards, Dice Dominoes Word Puzzle books, Stress relief squeeze balls, Poker chips, Board games, Computer games

Misc
Disposable camera, Ziploc bags, Inflatable pillow, Air fresheners (non aerosol, Microwaveable plates, bowls, paper plates, Boot socks, Koozies to keep water bottles and cans cool, AA batteries, D batteries.), Canned air to blow dust out of electronics, Sewing kit, Shoe laces for gym shoes and boots, Brown t-shirts, Inflatable seat cushions, Razors, Ink pens, Underwear- boxer shorts male and female.