During prolonged periods away from home, receiving mail becomes one of the simple pleasures that brings a sense of familiarity and comfort to soldiers. (Photo: 1st Lt. Kevin Livingston)
For Service Members away from home, missing out on beloved traditions during the holiday season can be challenging. To provide essential items and a remembrance of home to deployed servicemembers, American Legion posts nationwide are sending care packages this holiday season with ShipThrifty.
ShipThrifty, founded by American Legion Family members Rob and Michelle Williamson, offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for creating, purchasing, and printing shipping labels online. This service streamlines the process of sending care packages to Service Members, both overseas and stateside, making it hassle-free for military families. The partnership between ShipThrifty and The Legion also supports Service Members through the Be the One suicide prevention initiative.
Legionnaires can enjoy benefits such as saving up to 60% on shipping costs, reducing shipping time by 90%, safeguarding information, earning funds for future shipping expenses, and minimizing nonrefundable returned packages.
Sending care packages has become a widely embraced by Legionnaires and volunteers to express support and affection for deployed military Service Members. Receiving these packages, filled with essential items, treats, and heartfelt messages from home, serves as a source of comfort for those stationed abroad.
Engaging in service projects can evolve into a meaningful, annual tradition, as demonstrated by American Legion Post 25. This year, the El Centro chapter collaborated with local Boy Scouts and dedicated military mothers to spread holiday cheer by sending care packages to loved ones overseas, exemplifying the spirit of giving during the festive season.
When assembling care packages, consider including:
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Drink mix packets
- Pre-packaged healthy snacks
- Non-perishable foods
- Hygiene items
- A brief note identifying the sender as part of The American Legion
A list of additional items and suggestions for care packages to Service Members can be found here.
It’s important to be mindful of restrictions imposed by the U.S. Postal Service and international governments on certain products. Additionally, senders should be aware of the shipping restrictions at various military bases. It is also important to be prepared for holiday shipping deadlines to ensure the timely arrival of packages.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.