This weekend, I experienced a couple firsts. I ran a 5K, the
Colder Bolder, and I bought underwear for my cousin.
When you have a family member serving in Iraq, there's no shame in buying the guy some skivvies.
Chris did ask for them after all.
Tuesday is the USPS deadline to send packages to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, so I hit Target on Saturday to round up some Hanes, Mach 3 blades, peanuts, Hershey's Kisses and some Boulder Canyon potato chips.
Dec. 11 is the deadline to send mail to a servicemember based elsewhere. If you're putting together a parcel together for someone in the service, here are some handy links:
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shipment deadlines (USPS.com)
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how to store and pack cookies (TroopCarePackage.com)
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USDA tips on sending food to military (USDA)
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packing tips (TroopCarePackage.com)
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how to fill out a customs form (USPS.com)
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military mail FAQs (USPS.com)
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military family support tools (Homefront Heroes)
If you don't personally know someone in the military but would like to send a package,
TreatAnySoldier.com offers various
care packages you can purchase for a stranger. A woman whose son fought in Iraq and Afghanistan put together the goodies based on feedback she got from him and his friends.
A key tip she offers is to avoid putting toiletries and food in the same box unless you bag them separately. If you don't abide, your package could arrive with chocolate-scented deodorant or Ivory-scented graham crackers.