Getting Ready to Mail Packages to the Troops for Easter

by Edie Melson

Boxes to be filled - photos from our Christmas mailing.

Even though Easter comes a bit later this year, our local Blue Star Mothers Chapter 3 is gearing up to ship out—packages that is. 

We love sending boxes to the troops, and that's always been one of our main missions. But sending so many boxes takes a bit of planning. 

Beyond that, we couldn't do it without the love & support we get from the community. They're what helps bring it all together.

Here are some things we need:

An assembly line process works best.

We’re always trying to connect with military families in the upstate of SC. We want every soldier with ties to this area to receive a package. A lofty goal, but it’s one we’re striving for. After all, the Bible says you have not because you ask not!

ANYWAY, to do that, we need addresses for these deployed men and women. We’re not asking the families to do anything. We don’t need them to provide money for shipping. We just want to reach out to their soldiers while they’re so far from home. So if you know a soldier who’s deployed or a family with a deployed soldier, please email me the address and we’ll add them to our packing list!

Everyone gets into the spirit - young & old.

The second thing we need is supplies to send. Below is a list of what we’re looking for now. The list changes from time to time, so don’t assume you know it by heart.

Beef Jerky

Baby Wipes

Canned Fruit (small)
Canned meats
Crew Socks (black or green)
Dried Fruit Snacks

We start with stacks of supplies, but they dwindle fast!

Lip Balm (like Chapstick)
Single Packs of Tylenol
Easter Candy
Febreze Fabric Spray (only small size)
Granola Bars; Snack Bars
Gum
iTunes cards
Powdered Drink Mixes (single packs only)
Packets – foot & hand warmers

Every box is pack to overflowing—no
wasted space allowed.

NOTE: Our local chapter also accepts monetary donations to help with shipping and for those who don’t have the time or means to shop. Please make checks payable to:

Greenville Blue Star Mothers

Any inquiries/checks can be sent to:

Greenville Blue Star Mothers SC3

PO Box 15301

Greenville, SC 28610

Our packing date this year is March 16, and if you live in the Greenville SC area and want to help, just email me. (My email address is on the sidebar to the right of this post).

Ready to ship!

I know how important receiving packages was for our son when he was serving in Iraq. I also know that he had a lot of buddies who never received a single thing from home. He, and all those who did receive boxes, always shared with those who didn’t. That’s another reason sending things to our troops is so important. These men and women are standing in harm’s way, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice. The least we can do is let them know they’re not forgotten.

I’d love to hear stories about how your soldier was impacted by a package from home. Be sure to leave comments in the section below.

Blessings,

Edie