Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! on to Valentines Day packages...

Thanks everyone for such great participation this year!

In addition to over 800 Christmas stockings being sent, a couple of hundred packages were mailed. I'm hoping to receive more photos from the troops, and when I do I'll post them here.

It was especially gratifying for me this year as I connected with several Marine families right here near me at Camp Pendleton (San Diego).  This was a totally new adventure, and became very personal as I was able to meet them in person.

The Marine wives only asked for some support and cheer for their husbands, but many of you jumped in to make their Christmas a little more enjoyable after I found out how great the need was.  Frequent deployments, and several medical issues put a real crunch on their finances and emotions.  A simple request to you all and gift cards, toys, tickets to Disneyland, and even decorated Christmas trees were offered.  Then I connected with the Camp Pendleton Rotary Club and they provided toys, dinners, and car seats to these young families.

We will continue to follow these Marines, as one family has a newborn who was in 3 different hospitals in one week, and an older child in the hospital with pneumonia. Another has pending surgery for Dad, Mom, and a 5 year old all about the same time.

I'll update here as usual.

Valentines Day is only 6 weeks away, so if you didn't get something out for Christmas or New Years, or even if you did, consider a package to be mailed in the next few weeks.

Stay tuned!  And again, THANK YOU!  It is my pleasure to be the conduit to our troops.

_______________________________

Mailing Instructions

It's time to mail packages for Christmas arrival!

Email me at nancy@auntnancyusa.com to request a name to send your Christmas stockings, or other holiday packages to.  Please give me an estimate of how many stockings you might be able to send.  I do not post troops' names online.

In addition to Christmas stockings, I have requests for LOTS of Christmas cards to our troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, and even at bases in the USA.

WHAT TO DO:

Start at the post office and pick up a free LARGE, FLAT RATE, Priority Mail box, and a Customs Declaration form. It's best to get the boxes ahead of time because you can figure out how full to make your stockings & how many will fit. And the post office often runs out this time of year. Your packages can easily cost double the $12.50 to ship if you don't use these boxes discounted for military destinations.  "If it fits, it ships"!

Visit your local "dollar store" for the best prices on the classic red and white stockings that are so sentimental to the troops.  You can also purchase some winter-theme boxes to make holiday packages for non-Christians.

While many of the troops I have right now are in bare-bones, remote, locations in Afghanistan, make the stockings fun.  Save the soap (unless it's got Santa on it!) for regular packages.

Mailing cut-off dates from the US Postal Service based on APO mailing code:  Mailing dates  They offer later dates than I recommend, especially to Afghanistan. Some of the troops I have are in remote areas, and additional time is necessary. Also, we would like packages to arrive at least a week before Christmas (or whichever holiday you are mailing for.)

Afghanistan: prior to November 30th*. *updated-- some packages are already arriving!
Iraq: first week of December will still probably work. (Priority Mail)

But never hesitate to mail because an item might be late.  Certainly for our troops, "better late than never" is most appropriate. Some mail has arrived in two weeks.  We can't be sure. Of course you can always send a New Year's package.

If possible, print this form and put it in your stockings, and packages:  Info Sheet


Suggestions for stocking fillers:

• candy candy candy - especially chocolate and holiday theme (drug stores are good for these)   Mini-candy canes are best for shipping.
• cookies (NOT homemade - store bought and packaged only) Oreo cookies are favorites!
• treats like Twinkies, Hostess cupcakes, Little Debbie
• hot chocolate packets 
• small toys like a micro-machine - one in a stocking is fun
• beef jerky
• a current sports or fitness magazine
• gum, nuts, pretzels, trail mix packages. Twizzlers licorice is another favorite.
• tubes of potato chips, cookies
• Starbucks single serving Via instant coffee packets
• small cans of energy drinks
• a greeting card, maybe include your group or family photo, and "Aunt Nancy" note (see below)
• fake snow
• nice smelling shampoo or body wash (small bottles - in ziploc bags)
• a short string of Christmas lights (if you are mailing early enough)
• a hand-held electronic game
• left-over Halloween candy
• if you have funds: iTunes cards and iPod shuffles are high on their wish lists!

A Santa hat, antlers, or other silly cap goes over well.
No batteries -- unless specifically requested by your troop.
("JSS Loyalty" needs AA & AAA size)
Small footballs and play things are nice gifts.
Check back, I'll be adding more suggestions.

Include a note with your name, city (or full address if you would like) email, and maybe even a photo. lf you want a reply, insert a self-addressed return envelope.
Tell them you are sending the holiday cheer through "Aunt Nancy USA" and include that my program is now on Facebook as well as www.auntnancyusa.com

HOW TO MAIL:

Get the boxes ASAP!  The post office often runs out this time of year. Grab a large Customs Declaration form while there too.

Unless you are mailing very large quantities, always use USPS Priority Mail for best assurance of delivery. The LARGE FLAT RATE Priority Mail usually saves money. There is a $2.00 discount on the large Flat Rate boxes to Army Post Office (APO) and FPO addresses.  ($12.50 instead of $14.50). You should be able to get 2 or 3 filled stockings per box.

You can even buy the flat rate postage online and save!  It will cost only $11.95.  Print the postage, fill out the customs form, and call the post office. They will come to your home or office and pick up the packages. How cool is that!!!


Keep boxes neat and professional.  No stickers or drawings on the outside.  If the addresses are not neat and easy to read, especially the RETURN address, it may not be delivered. For security reasons the military is very fussy about this.
Use clear tape if possible, wrapping all edges of the boxes. They have a long way to go and are not handled gently. All liquids must be in ziploc style bags. 

Customs Declaration forms are required, and are available at the post office along with the free Priority Mail boxes. In the area marked In case of non-delivery put re-direct to "Chaplain" and the same address as your soldier.  (Unless I gave you another name.)

Your packages are actually being mailed to a domestic military base, so you are not paying to ship overseas. The country your soldier is in does not matter. The military will fly the packages to your soldiers' units.

Note: No homemade baked goods are allowed in packages, for the safety of our troops.
Only after you have developed a relationship with a soldier you personally adopt are home made cookies or goodies permissible.

Here are some ideas of what to write on a note in the Christmas stockings:

Hello and Merry Christmas from _____________________
We received your unit through  "Aunt Nancy USA"
www.auntnancyusa.com
We hope this gift sheds a little sunshine on your day,... brings a smile to your face, (something like that) or,
Sending these goodies in case Santa cannot get clearance to fly over.
We are thinking of you and the sacrifices you are making for our country.
A reply is not necessary, but we would like to know this package was received,
and you can let us know of any special requests we might be able to help you with.
Your name,
Group name
address
and email (if you want them to email -- which is more likely than a returned note)

If you want a reply, in each stocking include:

a self-addressed reply envelope (no stamps required)
a reply card, index card-size paper with something like this:
Soldier's name ________________________
APO address _________________________
[  ]  Yes, I received your package
Items I could use are ___________________
My email address is (optional)  ____________________

Attach it to your note or envelope.

Female stockings: If you would like to make a Christmas stocking specially for a female, tie a big pink ribbon on it and a label "FEMALE".  All the stockings will be passed out randomly, 

One further note for holiday packages:
On your box, and Customs Declaration form, please include
"Aunt Nancy USA "
in your return address.
That way the chaplains or other troops will know your package is part of our Christmas project.
This isn't absolutely required, but can be helpful to the Chaplains.
Example:

Jane Doe

Aunt Nancy USA

1234 Main St

New York, USA

Fundraiser:

I'm hosting a fundraiser for cards for the troops. You can help by visiting my website:
www.sendoutcards.com/storefront/simcocards and creating a greeting card for $2.99 (includes 44 cents postage!)  Have the card mailed to a soldier or a friend, whomever you choose.
From your computer you can personalize cards, and then the cards are  printed and mailed for you!
ALL profits go to "Aunt Nancy USA" for free cards for the troops.  Thanks!


PLEASE DO NOT send stockings directly to Andrew May without checking in with me.  I have certain numbers requested for a variety of units and have to keep track of how many packages are going to each one. The stockings are sent to one person collecting them, and will be passed out at Christmas services.

 
There is just me and my laptop here, no large organization.  I try to answer every email within a day or two, but it gets difficult in November!  :)


_______________________________

Christmas stockings now - 200 new troops!

Thanks everyone for wanting to help send some cheer to our troops for the holidays!!!  As is typical this time of year, I am swamped with requests.  I will do my best to reply to everyone within a day or two for as long as I can.  Yesterday I received 200 new troop names and I'd like to have them all receive something!

CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS:

I can promise a reply for Christmas stockings for these men and women.
If you can pledge 1, 3, or 100, email me with the approximate number you can do and I'll reply with a chaplain or other point of contact who will collect them and distribute them over Christmas.
Suggested date for mailings, Priority Mail: Iraq, by December 1st, but better is Thanksgiving Weekend.

(Good news: some stockings have already began to arrive!)

And take photos!  I'd love to post pictures of stockings you put together for our troops!

Oh, if you want to send cards and letters for the troops, I can still do that. Speaking of cards:

FUND RAISER - Greeting Cards for Our Troops to use

My first fund raiser:  I provide free cards for our troops, by setting up online accounts for them to access from anywhere in the world, personalize their greeting cards, and then, the cards are printed and mailed in/from the USA and delivered by the US Postal Service to the homes of their family and friends.

Your help would allow me to offer more to the troops. For every card you purchase for yourself I can offer another free card to one of our men and women in service.  100% of profits are returned to the troops' cards.

So, check out Aunt Nancy USA Cards.  (It's really a pretty cool, and fun, system!) You can buy cards and send to whomever you would like, and, know you're offering the same opportunity for our troops. Individual cards cost $2.99, and that includes the postage!

ADOPTING A SOLDIER OR MARINE:

Marine families: I have 3 Marine families at a base in California who are struggling to pull together a little Christmas. Some need shoes for the kids, clothes, and some small toys might be nice.  And lots of Christmas cards from all of us?
While I do have some individual troops available for "adoption" that is generally only for their full deployment (generally a 4 to 10 month commitment on your part.) If you only want to send something for the holidays, please consider volunteering to send Christmas stockings.

IMPORTANT:

Remember to pick up the LARGE, Flat Rate, Priority Mail box free at the post office ASAP.  They often run out this time of year.  It will help you know how much will fit.  Generally, 3 filled stockings per large box.
Also pick up the Customs Declaration form ahead of time so you can list contents before sealing your package.
The large box will cost $12.50 regardless of how heavy your gifts are.  "If it fits, it ships!"  Without this particular box you could end up paying double the shipping costs.

More details and suggestions are on my posting below dated 11-9-10.

THANKS AGAIN!

_______________________________

Christmas mailings 2010

It's time to mail packages for Christmas arrival!

Email me at nancy@auntnancyusa.com to request a name to send your Christmas stockings, or other holiday packages to.  Please give me an estimate of how many stockings you might be able to send.  I do not post troops' names online.

PLEASE DO NOT send stockings directly to Andrew May without checking in with me.  I have certain numbers requested for a variety of units and have to keep track of how many packages are going to each one. The stockings are sent to one person collecting them, and will be passed out at Christmas services.

Consider mailing left-over Halloween candy to the troops too. Maybe even put it into Christmas stockings.

Fundraiser:

I'm hosting a fundraiser for cards for the troops. You can help by visiting my website:
www.sendoutcards.com/storefront/simcocards and creating a greeting card for $2.99 (includes 44 cents postage!)  Have the card mailed to a soldier or a friend, whomever you choose.
From your computer you can personalize cards, and then the cards are  printed and mailed for you!
ALL profits go to "Aunt Nancy USA" for free cards for the troops.  Thanks!


There is just me and my laptop here, no large organization.  I try to answer every email within a day or two, but it gets difficult in November!  :)

_______________________________

Time to shop for Christmas stockings!

It's spooky!  It's scary!

UPDATE 10/30:  Halloween is HERE, and in 4 short weeks is Thanksgiving, and well, you all know how quickly the holidays sneak up on us.  We need to mail in EARLY November this year!

-----
Therefore, it is important to plan and shop for your Christmas and holiday packages in October! That's only two weeks. Most of our troops are in Afghanistan and it can take six weeks for mail to arrive. Even Priority Mail.

If you want to participate with Christmas stockings for the troops, please get your groups and/or families to start now. Target mailing in the first 2 weeks in November if you want to be sure your packages arrive in time for the chaplains to sort through the boxes and have them ready to distribute.

Of course we'll still be mailing throughout November and hope for less than 4 week delivery.
For Christmas cards too:  You want your soldier, sailor, or marine to enjoy the card a few weeks before.

_______________________________

Halloween Candy!!!

It's time to send out some Halloween candy to the troops!

Mail a box to your soldier now, maybe even add a few little decorations?

Candy can also be sent to our wounded troops in Germany at:

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

ATTN: MCEUL-CH/Chaplains Office,

CMR 402

APO AE 09180

And if you and your kids have left-over candy, you can send that too!

ps:  Our Christmas stocking project will begin soon.  Because mail to Afghanistan takes longer, we'll want to send packages in early November this year!!  Stop your shopping now!


_______________________________

Time to mail! About 10 days left!

Thanks to everyone who has joined in to send some cheer to our troops for the holidays. I have about one week before I leave for a vacation out of the country and will continue to answer as many email requests as I can until November 30th. If someone wants to volunteer to answer a few last minute emails for me, let me know. There will probably be a couple of dozen late joiners whom I won't be able to respond to otherwise. Every stocking helps!

Christmas Stocking count: I could still use about 150 more Christmas stockings for the wounded troops in our US Army hospital in Germany. Priority Mail to this location can arrive in 5 to 7 days!

Also, I did receive some contacts in Baghdad, and since their mail arrives quite efficiently, we can probably get by mailing to them for two more weeks.

REMEMBER: Never NOT mail something because it might be late! "Better Late Than Never" absolutely applies here.

Please try to remember to insert a copy of this Soldier Questionnaire in your packages: INFO SHEET.

Email me at Nancy@auntnancyusa.com

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

_______________________________

Time is running out for stockings for our troops! 2009

Time is moving too quickly -- there are about TWO weeks left to get Christmas stockings out to our troops. (December 1st! if you can't meet this date I can suggest other ways to help.)

If you can help, please email me ASAP. Email: Nancy@auntnancyusa.com

Some suggestions for filling the Christmas stockings:

• Candy candy candy - chocolate, candy canes (mini ones ship best), hard candy, whatever.
• Tubes of cookies or chips
• Small (1.5oz) bags of cookies, Goldfish crackers, nuts, etc.
  
• Mints, breath mints or strips
  
• Fun novelty treats as are for sale at drug stores
• Healthy snack/energy bars
  
• Chewing gum
• Beef jerky
  
• Small cans of energy drinks (for troops in the field)
  
• Starbucks "VIA" ready brew coffee packets (about $2 for a 3 pack)
  
• Microwave popcorn (commercial only - no homemade products can be accepted)
• Hot chocolate packets
  
• Lipbalm (ex: Chapstick. For troops in the field; not needed at the hospital)
  
• Small bottles of lotion
• Nail clippers
  
• Current music CDs, or movie DVDs
• A short string of Christmas lights
• did I mention: candy candy candy?
  
• You'll find many fun items once you start looking!

Check back often as I will be updating this list.

Do NOT send batteries of any kind unless specifically noted for your soldiers.

Be sure to read the extensive DO NOT SEND list for the wounded troops in a posting below from a couple of weeks ago.

Do NOT wrap items in the stockings. For the safety and security of our wounded troops the Red Cross volunteers have to inspect the stockings.

If you and/or your group has some funds available for more costly items, the troops would really love to get
1. iTune cards,
2. iPod Shuffles,
3. long distance phone cards (domestic; with no expiration date)
4. hand-held electronic games.
Items 1 - 4 above should NOT be put into the stockings with the other items however. Put them into an envelope in the same box. The chaplains will insert them into stockings for the troops who need them the most.

Throwing a Santa hat or silly reindeer antlers into the box is fun too.

You may make the stockings personal by inserting a note card with your name and address if you would like, and even a photo.

If you make a stocking specifically for a female soldier, tie a big pink ribbon on to it with a label "Female".

Email me at nancy@auntnancyusa.com and I'll give you an address to send stockings too.

But hurry -- time is getting short. Plus, I'm going out of the country the first half of December. I'll answer as many emails as I can until then.

DECORATIONS: If you want to send decorations to your soldiers they should go out now to give the troops time to enjoy them before Christmas.

Dollar stores sell the nice 14" furry red and white stockings for, you guessed it, $1.00!

Of course, non-denominational packages can be sent too. In this photo below you'll see some boxes rather than stockings.

Postage rates:

• Your packages are actually going to a military base in the USA, so you are not paying international mailing rates. Still, it can get costly.
  
• For mailings after November 15th you must use PRIORITY MAIL. (I recommend always using Priority Mail. The packages are handled better all along the route.)
  
• Priority Mail FLAT RATE boxes usually save you money (over normal Priority Mail rates). As long as you can close the box with the flaps in place, the weight can go up to over 20 pounds.
• There is a military discount of $2.00 if you use the LARGE flat rate priority boxes. I think they cost about $14 to mail now, but only about $12 if it's going to an Army Post Office (APO) destination as ours are.
  

Other mailing tips:

As of November 15th the post office recommends all packages go Priority Mail. Parcel Post may not make it in time for Christmas. USPS dates link

• Packages should be neat and professional looking. Using the free boxes from the post office for Priority Mail works well.
• Do tape well. All edges and corners. Use clear tape if possible.
  
• Do write all addresses neatly. Security is very important. If your return address is not clear, the package could be discarded.
• Do not decorate the outside of the box. Do not make it tempting for possible theft.
  
• Do seal any liquids inside a ziploc bag. (You might use holiday bags to make it look nice.)

click here for USPS: USPS Military Packages link

Customs Declaration forms will be required.

• Getting forms ahead of time will be helpful so you can list the contents of the package before sealing it.
• You will have to list all contents, but do not make the lists too detailed.
  
• Don't list "Christmas stocking" as that will make it more tempting to thieves. You might put "socks" (hey, that's not UNtrue!)
  
• You will have list the contents, but be as vague as you can and still be legal. Again to avoid encouraging theft.

Joining in late? Too busy?
If you are too rushed to get items out in time for the holidays, I do have a Chaplain looking for supplies you can help with. Ask me about COP Shocker unit.

If you would like to just send a couple of bags of candy for the troops you can do that too!

AND PLEASE NOTE:

Once again this year, there is an email circulating around the internet asking people to send an extra Christmas card or two to "Any Soldier", or "Recovering Soldier" at Walter Reed Hospital. The Army has warned of this mis-informed goal. You do not know where it actually started. While it is a noble idea, tens of thousands of Christmas cards have to be opened and inspected for security reasons, and it just can't be done by the hospitals. Thousands get thrown away.

Here's a link for other ways Walter Reed Army Hospital can use help: http://www.wramc.army.mil/support/Pages/default.aspx

I have names of troops you can send your cards to if you would like to do so.

93rd Military Police Brigade - must mail now

CLOSING APO: The 93rd Military Police Brigade is scheduled to leave Iraq in January, and I just received word that they will only be able to receive packages up to December 1st.

So you must mail Christmas boxes NOW! (to THIS unit in Baghdad.) Packages mailed PRIORITY MAIL should arrive in 7 to 10 days to this unit. (Remember to use the large FLAT RATE Priority Mail boxes to get the military discount.)

They can receive letters up to December 15th. If you can send one last note of support and cheer it would mean a lot.

Then their Army Post Office (APO) will be closed as they get ready to redeploy out of Iraq.

_______________________________

STOCKINGS FOR THE 93rd:

If those of you who have adopted a soldier in this unit would like to send a stocking for him or her you must mail it very soon. I would allow 2 weeks - November 15 mailing if possible. You can always put a "Do Not Open Until Christmas" note inside your package. (not that anyone would actually wait!)

If you would like to surprise your soldier, you may address your package to the "back-up name" (In case of non-delivery) I gave you in your intro email. Put a note to her and indicate who the stocking should go to on Christmas Eve, or whenever they hold their candlelight services.

If you have not written your assigned soldier, or have been able to do so for over a month, please let me know. I have a waiting list of people who want to help and no soldiers.

_______________________________

Note: I sent out a group email distribution this evening. If you are signed up but not receiving these updates, check your junk mail folder.

_______________________________

2009 Christmas Stockings for Our Wounded Troops

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, our US Army hospital in Germany, has asked me for 500 stockings for our wounded troops.

As of 11/13/09 I have pledges for 301.


Some suggestions for filling the Christmas stockings:

• Candy candy candy - chocolate, candy canes (mini ones ship best), hard candy, whatever.
• Tubes of cookies or chips
• Small (1.5oz) bags of cookies, Goldfish crackers, nuts, etc.
  
• Mints, breath mints
• Fun novelty treats as are for sale at drug stores
• Healthy snack/energy bars
  
• Chewing gum
  
• Small cans of energy drinks
• Starbucks "VIA" ready brew coffee packets (about $2 for a 3 pack)
  
• Microwave popcorn (commercial only - no homemade products can be accepted)
• Hot chocolate packets
  
• Lipbalm (ex: Chapstick)
• Current music CDs, or movie DVDs
  
• You'll find many fun items once you start looking!

Do NOT send batteries of any kind to the hospital.

Do NOT wrap items in the stockings. For the safety and security of our wounded troops the Red Cross volunteers have to inspect the stockings.

If you and/or your group has some funds available for more costly items, the troops would really love to get

1. iTune cards,
   
2. iPod Shuffles,
   
3. long distance phone cards (with no expiration date)
4. hand-held electronic games.
   

Items 1 - 4 should NOT be put into the stockings with the other items however. Put them into an envelope in the same box. The chaplains will insert them into stockings for the troops who need them the most.

You may make the stockings personal by inserting a note card with your name and address if you would like, and even a photo. But know that we rarely hear back from the wounded troops.

If you make a stocking specifically for a female soldier, tie a big pink ribbon on to it with a label "Female".

Email me at nancy@auntnancyusa.com and I'll give you an address to send stockings too.

But hurry -- time is getting short, and, I'm going out of the country the first half of December. I'll answer as many emails as I can until then.


Of course, non-denominational packages can be sent too. In this photo below you'll see some boxes rather than stockings.


_______________________________

2009 Christmas mailing deadlines from the USPS

Here is a web link for information from the United States Postal Service regarding mailing deadlines for Christmas packages: USPS Holiday Info

For regular Parcel Post you need to get your packages in the mail by mid-November! Start early, or, use Priority Mail (recommended by me!) Mail to Baghdad is pretty good now, but if you are mailing to Afghanistan it will take much longer. If you want to send decorations the troops can use for a couple of weeks before any holidays, remember to allow time for that.

I encourage all packages to be shipped by Thanksgiving week even with Priority Mail. Chaplains sometimes want to hand goodies out at parties and religious services which often take place early.

Speaking of holidays: it's not too late to send Thanksgiving cards now.

Below is a partial chart:

MILITARY MAILING DEADLINES

Military Mail Addressed To	Express Mail® Military Service (EMMS)1/	First-Class Mail® Letters and Cards	Priority Mail®	Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) 2/	Space Available Mail (SAM)3/	Parcel Post®
APO/FPO AE ZIPs 090-092	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13
APO/FPO AE ZIP 093	N/A	Dec-4	Dec-4	Dec-1	Nov-21	Nov-13
APO/FPO AE ZIPs 094-098	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13
APO/FPO AA ZIP 340	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13
APO/FPO AP ZIPs 962-966	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13

The USPS offers free boxes for Priority Mail and a discount on shipping to Army Post Office (APO) addresses. See the link above for more details.

It is important to keep your packages well taped, professional looking, and neat. If your return address is not nice and clear the package will be thrown away for security reasons.

Do not put cute stickers or decorations on the packages as it may encourage theft.

Get your Customs Declaration forms ahead of time to make them easier to fill in.
_______________________________

Halloween candy, cards, and decorations

If your family, school, church, or work group would like to get some candy to our troops for Halloween, send me an email at nancy@auntnancyusa.com and I will give you a soldier/unit to send it to.

Some tips:

• Candy is very heavy, and shipping costs are high. I recommend using FLAT RATE Priority Mail boxes at this point. FLAT RATE pays off for candy. I think I saved $7 on one box (vs. regular Priority Mail.) Therefore, if your group is collecting, be sure to ask for monetary donations to help with the shipping costs. To save more money you can just send by regular parcel post, but it may not get there in time now for Afghanistan and some areas of Iraq. If you are including cards and decorations, it has to go Priority Mail now. Packages to the Army hospital in Germany need less time. The post office offers a $2 discount to Army Post Office (APO) destinations on the LARGE Flat Rate boxes only which will end up costing you about $10 to ship. For candy sent AFTER the holidays, and no arrival deadling, regular mail is all that's necessary. Update 11/2/09: now that Halloween if over, you can just send your left-over candy Parcel Post.
  
• 
  
• The troops LOVE chocolate! Just like the rest of us! It's less likely to melt this time of year, but, make sure it is in a sealed bag. The US Postal Service requires any liquid (which the chocolate could become!) in sealed bags. If it is not in a manufacturers bag, then seal it in a Ziploc-style bag. No homemade/homebaked items allowed.
  
• 
  
• You will need to fill out a Customs Declaration form for each box. Getting the forms at the post office ahead of time, and partially filling in will help you once the candy starts arriving.
• Cards: You can buy packages of Halloween cards to include in the boxes, or, make your own. No name on the outside of the cards please. Our contacts will hand them out. Paper products are fun too (plates, napkins, silly stuff.)
  
• 
  
• Notes: You might want to include a note in each box to inform the troops of your name, address, and/or email address, to let them know who sent the goodies. Be sure to add that you got their name from "Aunt Nancy USA" but, that their name is NOT available online.

After Halloween:

Last year dozens of boxes of Halloween candy were sent to our troops using leftover goodies. School, families, and neighbors collected. It made the soldiers happy AND probably saved us a few extra pounds on the hips! Regular Parcel Post is the cheapest when no arrival deadline is required. The Landstuhl Regional Medical Center is low on candy for the wounded troops so let's get them some.

If you want to do that, let me know.

Then, get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Christmas packages need to be mailed to Iraq & Afghanistan by Thanksgiving week. IF you use Priority Mail, you can mail in early December for Baghdad. So it's already time to start organizing. Most people don't really think about it until Thanksgiving. Then, it's almost too late.

I will again be asking people to participate in sending filled Christmas stockings to our wounded troops at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany (LRMC). They like to begin handing out the goodies to our troops who arrive starting at Thanksgiving, and right up through New Year's Day. Take a look down the left side of this blog for pictures from previous years. LRMC has asked for 500 stockings this year. They also need knit caps and gloves for wounded troops being flown in cold helicopters.

And lastly, I will be out of town FOUR weeks between now and Christmas, including time out of the country. So, the earlier you contact me, the better chance I have of getting to you.

THANKS EVERYONE!!

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More help for Santa requested! 716th MP

Another new unit in Iraq has requested our help with Christmas cheer: The 716 Military Police. Since they too can get PRIORITY MAIL quickly, there's hope to get them some goodies there in time! In fact, early enough to enjoy for the week before Christmas! There are 79 soldiers here. My contact wants at least to get the young/junior enlisted, first deployment, etc. troops some cheer.

They have no decorations so let's see what we can send them.

Filled Christmas Stockings
Christmas Lights
Tree, and ornaments
Cards (from you to them)
Decorations of any kind
Baked goods (store bought)
Candy Canes
Candy
Fake Snow
Inflatable Snowman
Fun stuff!

Dollar stores may be a great asset here. It would be nice if they receive decorations ASAP so they can enjoy them longer.

Note: Homemade baked goods are generally not allowed.

BAD NEWS: It's been a very lean year for many people as we all know, and it has really shown up here. Offers to help the troops this Christmas are down about 75%! The military families are feeling the pinch too. If you want to even just send some Christmas cards, cookies, or candy canes, I can tell you the troops will be ever so appreciative!

GOOD NEWS: PRIORITY MAIL has been reaching some of these Baghdad units in only 10 days! That's AMAZING! So, while we should still try for the 1st week of December, we may get by with shipping the 2nd week! I just don't know how crazy the Christmas rush will get. Now we have time for last minute shopping over Thanksgiving weekend!

Also, if you see fun New Years Eve decorations or goodies, we can send them too! That would give you another week to mail.

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CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS FOR THE TROOPS - 2008

It is very exciting to be sponsoring the Christmas stocking project again this year! It was a big success last year at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) where volunteers handed them out to the newly wounded troops arriving at this US Army hospital in Germany. The soldiers receiving them in Iraq were thrilled too!


CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS UPDATE

WOUNDED: We are all set with the 500 asked for by LRMC IF everyone who pledge stockings sends them.

SOLDIERS IN IRAQ: Also I'm trying to get as many as I can to our troops out in the field. I've had TWO new units join me this week, so I have over 200 Christmas stockings wanted! As I have to keep track of the number going to the different locations, please ask me for the addresses. I do not post that info online. Do not forward addresses I give you to others. If friends want to help have them email me.

For suggestions on what to send, see my blog post on November 3rd about Christmas Stockings to the Wounded Warriors :

LRMC Wounded Warriors Ministry - 500 Christmas Stockings wanted

MAILING DATES: From here on out you must use PRIORITY MAIL!

Packages should be sent out this week or next. Prior to Thanksgiving is usually my recommendation, and it's later this year than last. Mail to Germany and some troops in Iraq takes less time than Afghanistan, so for them the first week of December should be good, again, IF you use PRIORITY MAIL at the US post office.

CUSTOMS FORM: You will need to complete a Customs Declaration form. When listing items on the Customs form it can be a big red flag for thieves. That's always a concern. I never list "Christmas stockings". I write "socks". Of course, the candy and other details you have to list are tempting, but we gotta' do it! I also don't list the name of any candy, magazines, nor dvd titles. Use your imagination don't be too descriptive.
Anything liquid (shampoo, etc.) must be sealed in a plastic Ziploc-style bag.

Safety for the troops is a concern at the other end. Be sure to include a note INSIDE the box with your full name and address, and indicate that you are participating in the "Aunt Nancy USA Christmas project".

Boxes should be very neat and professional. No cute stickers or decorations. Use 2" wide tape on all edges. If the "TO" or "FROM" addresses are not absolutely readable the package may get discarded. Security reasons again.

FREE BOXES: Get your free boxes from the Post Office ASAP -- they often run out this time of year! FLAT RATE boxes have almost always saved me about half the shipping costs. Make sure you get the FLAT RATE Priority Mail boxes for APO mailing! There is a $2 mailing discount! Look for the "America Supports You" logo on the box and/or ASK for help at the post office. You can also order online. Here's what you can use. #3 is best so try to get your boxes ahead of time.

1. PRIORITY MAIL Box from the USPS - will get there quicker, but can be costly
   
2. FLAT RATE Priority Mail - one price for up to 20 lbs!! Usually saves me HALF the cost. ($9.80) 2 sizes/shapes available.
   
3. APO BOXES (Army Post Office) Large/Priority Mail box - is also FLAT RATE plus a $2.00 discount off of that. ($10.95 instead of $12.95) 12x12x5.5"

http://www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-prices.htm

See the following

“This is the first time the Postal Service has offered a special price for our armed forces serving overseas,” said Postmaster General John Potter. “We’re proud that family and friends will be able to use this new larger-sized box to send much appreciated packages from home to our dedicated troops overseas.”

The new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box (12" x 12" x 5 ½" or 800 cubic inches) will be available in Post Offices nationwide, but customers can order them at usps APO boxes or by calling 800-610-8734. Some of the new boxes are co-branded with the logo of America Supports You, which is a Department of Defense program that connects citizens offering support to the military and their families.

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New unit arriving in Baghdad: 8th Military Police

The last of the 18th MP BDE we have been sponsoring are leaving Iraq, and being replaced by the 8th Military Police BDE. Since they will be right at the Baghdad International Airport, mail will arrive quickly, but even with PRIORITY MAIL packages should be mailed the first week of December. They could get there in as little as 10 days, we can't be sure with the Christmas rush. But "Better Late Than Never "certainly applies here!!!

If you have waited to send some Christmas stockings or cards, this is your opportunity!

I have now received 107 individual names, but may not get them assigned to individuals in time for Christmas. I'm attempting to get that many Christmas stockings to their Chaplain for passing out at their Christmas Eve Candlelight Services.

Please join in - cards, Christmas stockings, packages, whatever!

Email me for addresses, I do not post them online. Do NOT use contacts from last year.

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Sending cards to "Any Soldier" is NOT acceptable

Once again this year, there is an email circulating around the internet asking people to send an extra Christmas card or two to "Any Soldier", or "Recovering Soldier" at Walter Reed Hospital. The Army has warned of this mis-informed goal. You do not know where it actually started. While it is a noble idea, tens of thousands of Christmas cards have to be opened and inspected for security reasons, and it just can't be done by the hospitals. Thousands get thrown away.

Here's a link for other ways Walter Reed Army Hospital can use help: http://www.wramc.army.mil/support/Pages/default.aspx

I have names of troops you can send your cards to if you would like to do so.

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Special Soldiers Fun Requests - time to play Santa

OK, folks, here's some special requests from Iraq. I told him I thought we might be able to do something! Who can help?

Dear Auntie Nan,

Yes I do have another request. One that my chaplain asked about as well. I would like to request, more than anything, prayer; not only for our Soldiers, but also for our families back home. They too go through a very rough time during this deployment. I truly believe that the little children have it the worst. They just can't understand why "Daddy" or in some cases, "Mommy" isn't coming home for quite a while. So honestly, prayer would be the biggest request.

Thank you for your time. I wouldn't mind passing out cards if you happen to send some our way. I do however have a pretty serious request from a Soldier. It's for some video games. I do not play video games (believe me, I am one of the very very few when it comes to Soldiers and video games), but I do understand that they are fairly expensive. He gave me the names of two games that he was hoping to have for his section. I told him that I would certainly ask, but I made no promises. Please don't feel as though you have to get either one of these or even ask your folks to get them. I know that he told me that they are for play station II game system. Now that is all I know about the games.

The names of the games are:

Madden 09

Metal Gear IV
Need for Speed/Undercover, 

WWE Smack Down vs. Raw 2008, 

Call of Duty: World at War Final Fronts and finally 

Secret Service Quantum of Solace.

I do happen to have one other great suggestion. We have about 15 bags of whole-bean coffee. I was hoping that someone may have a hand operated coffee grinder they would be willing to ship over here to us. I know my guys would love to have some of this fresh ground coffee, if only I had something like that. Again, I do not grind my own coffee. I'm the cheap skate. I buy Folgers already ground. So if this request is too expensive, please, I beg you please disregard. I have no intentions of taking advantage of your wonderful support.

Also, I have heard of some folks looking for different kinds of deodorant, shampoo, decent razors, shave gel, little things, etc. etc.

Times here are getting a bit more exciting. We have had a decent surge in activity here the last few days or even a week or so. I'm only hope and pray that our time here drags on from boredom and not from always going to memorials and hospitals with our Soldiers hurt or worse yet dead.

Right now, we are doing ok in my unit. My Soldiers are all doing very well. You have a very blessed week and thank you for listening to my rambling.

Your favorite Soldier (as far as I'm concerned)
D.~

Here are more suggestions:
NO home-made food.
NO Batteries as they have "enough to light up Baghdad" now!
NO used items
Chocolate is very much desired (until about February) - store bought only.

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LRMC Wounded Warriors Ministry - 500 Christmas Stockings wanted

The Chaplains at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) run the "Wounded Warriors Ministry". Soldiers are often medevac'd to LRMC directly after getting injured. These are the more seriously hurt or ill. They often arrive only in a hospital gown. The Ministry provides items of comfort to "fill holes" until their personal belongings catch up with them.

Last year, with your help, 1,000 Christmas stockings were sent and passed out to the troops arriving at this US Army Hospital in Germany. This year they only need 500, but so far participation has been very low. I hope you can help!

Let me know if you can make and send a couple or motivate your friends and co-workers to contribute a larger number, it will be greatly appreciated!

This is a picture of some of your stockings arriving in Germany last November.

Groups wanting to prepare large numbers of cards should make them Get-Well cards. The hospital receives thousands of Christmas cards this time of year, and can't use all of what they get. If you send a bunch, do not seal the individual cards. Use the large USPS Mili-pacs envelopes to mail several cards at a time. Most post offices do not stock these, but they can be ordered online easily. DO NOT SEND ANYTHING DIRECTLY TO THE HOSPITAL, or anything addressed to "Any Soldier" etc!

These young troops really enjoy hand-held electronic games. Teen youth groups could be encouraged to collect some, or the iPod shuffles and iTunes cards. Do not put them in the stockings -- put them in an envelope inside the same box as the stockings.

Here's a recent note from my contact at LRMC -- (contacts change each year)
"As for what I need, just your continued support of the WWMC. We couldn't operate without donors! I can tell you that from last year, the wounded warriors loved taking a stocking. Some had to be persuaded, but everyone left with a smile on their face!"

Some suggested items for the Christmas stockings for the wounded:
CANDY! Chocolate, Twizzlers, M&Ms, whatever! Lots of it!
Find fun holiday versions of the goodies -- those are especially welcome in stockings.
Small candy canes - they don't break as much in shipping.
Small cans of chips and cookies, chewing gum, beef jerkey
Fun stuff from local drug stores - small novelties, decorations
Girl Scout Cookies are LOVED!
Healthy snack bars
"Little Debbie"-type treats
A Get Well card or a Christmas card may be inserted into the stocking.
Breath-mint strips
Small hand-held mirrors
Nail clippers
Travel size Gold Bond Powder
Travel size shower gel
*Phone cards – Domestic only with no expiration date
*iTunes Cards
*iPod Shuffles
*Hand-held electronic gamesDVDs (no extreme violence or nudity – no VHS tapes)
*These last items should NOT be put in the Christmas stockings; keep them separate.

The younger generation has many of the newer electronic gadgets. They no longer need music CDs, nor AAA batteries, for instance! Now they mostly download music from the internet. It's tough keeping up with them!

Some veterans have told me that the troops would rather receive sports teams news, caps, pictures, or shirts, than shampoo any day!

Below is a list of items NOT needed.

Check it out because there are some items on it I previously suggested some of you should send. I'll update it if I get new info. This list came from Landstuhl.

Wounded Warrior Ministry Center
Pastoral Services Division
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

ITEMS NOT NEEDED AT THIS TIME

As of this time we have no need for anything not on the current list (updated regularly). Thank you for your generosity. Please DO NOT send the following:

No International phone cards, or phone cards that have an expiration date
NO CDs, Video tapes
No AA or AAA nor any size batteries
No magazines, books, puzzles, sudoko games
No Books, Playing cards
No Bar soap, large and hotel size
No Bubble bath, salts
No Hair conditioner
No Large toothpaste
No Toothbrushes
No Combs
No Lip Balm/Chapstick
No Make-up and facial creams, nail polish, etc. including samples
No Hair pins and bands
No Q-tips
No Large economy size toiletries
No Small hotel size toiletries
No Lap blankets/double, queen or king size blankets
No Women’s underwear
No Feminine products
No Men’s white or color briefs
No Pencils (mechanical pencils okay), erasers and pencil sharpeners
No Writing paper
No Blank greeting cards
No Signed holiday cards (Christmas, Valentines, Easter, etc.) Please only send a very few – we receive thousands more than the number of patients that come in all year and cannot possibly distribute them all.
No Over the counter medications/any medications
No Coffee mugs
No Candles, matches, lighters
No Canned food
No Any knitted items
No used items and please,
No Used clothing – or clothing with stains or holes or broken zippers, missing buttons, etc.

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Send your extra Halloween candy to the Troops!

If you have a bunch of left over Halloween candy consider sending it to the troops! They love it, and they often use it to pass along to the grateful children in Iraq and Afghanistan!

Make it a family, office, or Scout project!
And don't worry, the troops prefer melted chocolate to NO chocolate!

Candy is quite heavy, so in this case if often pays to use the FLAT RATE Priority Mail boxes. You pay one price regardless of weight. (about $8 to $10 a box). Get some boxes first from the post office and compare costs. There's really no hurry now so if parcel post works out cheaper use that. It will depend on how much you mail. The USPS offers a $2 discount on some Priority Mail boxes to Army Post Offices (APO) so make sure you get the right ones!

Another option: separate the candy and use any non-Halloween looking treats to fill up some Christmas stockings for the troops! These should be mailed by Thanksgiving.

Whenever you send something, be sure to let the troops know you received their name from "Aunt Nancy" at "Aunt Nancy USA".

Email me at nancy@auntnancyusa.com and I'll tell you were to send it!

Be sure to include a note with your name and address, indicating you have checked the candy. No homebaked nor homemade food should be sent. Store bought only, in original packaging.

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2008 Christmas Projects - start NOW!

It's that time of the year already!

Thanksgiving cards should go out by the end of October, packages now.

MOST CHRISTMAS PACKAGES TO IRAQ SHOULD BE MAILED THE WEEK BEFORE THANKSGIVING! You can get an extra week using Priority Mail, which I always recommend anyway!

I am getting a couple of new units in Afghanistan, and because mail there is MUCH slower than Iraq, I recommend earlier if possible. PRIORITY MAIL helps.

CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS PROJECTS: Yesterday I received an email from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany (LRMC), and they would appreciate our participation again. The great news is: they only need about 500 this year as incoming wounded numbers are WAY down! (Last year we sent 1,000.) They do NOT want Christmas cards -- they get thousands. The do need and accept get-well cards.

They are still looking for help with t-shirts, slippers, and other necessary items for the wounded if you want to help that way. If you want to help in this year-long project, ask me.

I'll also be looking for Christmas stockings for the Afghanistan troops. Their facilities are quite bare, they need hygiene items as well as fun stuff (the typical stocking stuffers: candy, cookies, chips, beef jerky, & other goodies, DVDs, etc). We can also send tins of cookies. Everything will be collected by their chaplain and distributed at Christmas services.

If you want to participate, send me an email with the request in the SUBJECT LINE.
Example:
LRMC stockings for wounded troops,
Afghanistan troop stockings,
Afghanistan cookie tins,
or
Adopt-a-Soldier (either just for the holidays, or all year)


I do NOT publish addresses on this blog. You must email your request to me.


I suggest the classic red & white stockings that are approximately 20" x 9". You can purchase them for as little as 99 cents at the local dollar stores. But you can use whatever size and color you'd like. Even make your own.

Candy and other fun holiday-themed goodies and "stuff" from the drug stores, Target, grocery stores, etc., are good fillers. Small candy canes tend not to break like the full-size ones you might hang on a tree. They no longer want batteries nor music CDs. The do want domestic phone cards (withOUT expiration dates), iTune cards, and would LOVE iPod shuffles (for their downloaded music). Those last few are an awesome addition, but of course would add a lot of cost. Do whatever you can.

Please insert a note or Christmas card in your stockings, or at least the shipping box, saying you are participating in

"The Aunt Nancy USA Holiday Project www.auntnancyusa.com"

Then you might also include your family or group name & photo, and your own email or snail-mail address. You could also include a return envelope with your address and a blank notecard.

Make your packages very neat. If the addresses "TO" or "FROM" are not clear the packages get tossed out. Don't put "cute" stuff on the outside of the box. Make the box look professional. Use 2" tape on ALL edges. No string. When reusing a box from something else, be sure to black out any bar codes or previous mailing addresses.

Groups such as Scout packs can often get $100 donations from stores like Target. Many offer help for community groups. It's worth asking!


As always, I will do my best to try to keep up with all the emails this time of year. In the past I manage to lose or miss several of you (especially last year after the "Family Fun" article). This project is just me and my trusty laptop, no group of helpers. There are still about 25 people on my waiting-to-adopt-a-soldier list.

Email me at: Nancy@auntnancyusa.com

More mailing deadline info:
Link to United States Postal Service Military Holiday Shipping dates: USPS Dates

MORE GOOD NEWS:

The United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail, Large, Flat Rate Box to APO/FPO addresses receives $2 reduction!

Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Boxes shipped to an APO/FPO destination receive a $2 reduction. Either version of the large box — with or without the America Supports You logo — can receive the reduced price at retail or online. The smaller regular flat-rate boxes are not eligible for the military price reduction.

Be sure to check you get the right box and rate from the post office! The boxes are free!

Get your boxes, and Customs Declaration forms, early. Having the boxes may help you figure out how much you want to stuff the stockings.

Many of last year's tips still apply. Click on "Mailing tips" or "Christmas mailings" under GROUP TOPICS on the left for more details.
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