I'm starting to get notes from soldiers and their families that it is cold in Iraq right now too. I remember Brian calling me at this time last year, saying that they could see their breath in their sleeping bags every night, and asking me to send space heaters.
I bought these space heaters at Menard's yesterday, for $18. I've been told they run in the same price range at Walmart. Wrapped as they are in brown paper, it cost me an $16 to mail each one, priority/airmail.
Hopefully, a week from now they'll be sitting between a few bunk beds or cots, taking a bit of chill out of the air, and warming up a few noses sticking out of the top of sleeping bags.
I know times are tough right now, but if you're one of those folks that has a spare $35 just laying around, I have names of a few freezy boys that wouldn't mind adding one of these to their personal inventory in a cold, cold tent. (Yes, there are generators and places to plug these things in).
These handwarmers are running just $5/box, as stores gear up for spring:
Electric hot water kettles: $12 at Bed, Bath & Beyond. You can find them for less than $10. Toss in some noodle cups, instant mashed potatoes, instant soup, tea bags, General foods coffees, and maybe she won't have to walk 1/2 mile in the cold to use the microwave in the chowhall, after returning from her last mission.
IF THAT'S JUST MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE...(and that's ok)...
Valentine's Day is just around the corner! There's still time to whip up some cookies and fill out a card or a letter! An easy project for your snowbound kids: Cookies and cards, yeah!
Flat-rate boxes cost $11.95 to send, all of the cookies that you can cram in them.
Hit me up for a soldier's name, if you're ready to help out: ljstewart@gmail.com
Do you have any lists of things that they want/need?
ReplyDeleteI'd really love to send stuff again!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Because of you my soldier will not have to suffer in the cold another night.
ReplyDeleteYOU ARE MY HERO!
An update from a post office frequent flier: The military flat rate box has gone up $1, to $11.95. It's still a bargain, especially when you can fill it full of 5# boxes of nails and screws (yes, I've done that!) and send it off!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the idea Lori! I just sent a package to my soldier and the hot pot idea was JUST WHAT I NEEDED! I'm going to Wal-mart today to buy everything you suggested!
ReplyDeleteI am going to toss this idea at my family and see if they like it. I am sure they will. I hate being cold and I am sure they do too. Great ideas.
ReplyDelete