For The Soldiers: Care Packages Sent!

With the funds raised in our "For the Soldiers" Auction ($333.48), we were able to purchase requested items from soldiers, airmen, and marines and fill six boxes that were shipped out today!  Here's a recap in pictures!  Enjoy!

I used anysoldier.com to find our random military personnel who would receive the care packages.  Each officer submits their address and several items that they need/want.  I chose several addresses and started making my shopping list.  I sectioned off my list according to the addresses so that I didn't over spend. I used a USPS APO/FPO flat rate box in the store to make sure items for each address would fit into the box.  I got a lot of funny looks while doing this, but at the cash register, I had a line of people behind me that were so happy with what we were doing!  I was able to purchase enough items for FIVE boxes with some money left over for maybe one more box and shipping!

I purchased tube socks, feminine products, facial wash, skin products, Doritos, Cheetos, gummies, Pringles, baby wipes, drink mixes, 5-Hour Energy drinks, protein bars, sunflower seeds, microwave popcorn, beef jerky, stuffed animals (a special request by an all female unit), gum, Tic Tacs, cookies, chocolate candy bars (which they requested in winter months), chips, and much much more.

Receipt from first shopping trip.

Total for first shopping trip: $203.98

I also had my daugther's 3rd grade class write letters to the service men and women to include in the boxes as many of them requested just letters to brighten their day.

I packed the boxes like intricate puzzles making sure to fit as much into them as I possibly could.

After packing all five boxes and calculating the shipping ($12.95 for each box), I figured I could pack one more box!  So I went shopping on last time.

Second shopping trip receipt.

Second shopping trip total: $59.39

With six boxes packed full of necessities and goodies, I went to the post office to ship them all out to our deployed service members ranging from Kuwait to Afghanistan to Asia.

$77.70 all packages were on their way!

Shipping total: $77.70

Customs forms all stamped.

Close up of one of the customs forms.

$203.98 + 59.39 + $77.70= $341.07

(I happily donated the difference to help cover shipping for the last package.)

I am so pleased that we were able to do this service project and so grateful that I was chosen to put it all together.  This has made me very happy, and I can't wait to do it more!

Thanks again to all our vendors who donated items and all our bidders!

~Taylor