170731 870 Language & Reference Politics & Citizenship Military & Law Enforcement true Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:47:29 -0700 /system/videos/1/31/07/17/170731.flv DIY, Instructional, tutorial, Do It Yourself, Tips, Essential Skills, Learn to, language, reference, politics How To Send Care Packages To Troops Overseas http://www.howcast.com/videos/170731-How-To-Send-Care-Packages-To-Troops-Overseas http://www.howcast.com/videos/170731-How-To-Send-Care-Packages-To-Troops-Overseas/edit approved 198 640 360 <object width="425" height="273" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="howcastplayer"><param name="movie" value="http://www.howcast.com/flash/howcast_player.swf?file=170731"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.howcast.com/flash/howcast_player.swf?file=170731" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="273" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" ></embed></object> 8 bry9000 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/170731/send_care_packages_troops_overseas_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg 18757 false false false 65986 0 22 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/170731/22.jpg Select a service member Pick a service member to send a package to. Sending to someone you know is great, but you can also use sites like anysoldier.com to ship a box to someone you’ve never met.

]]> 65987 1 33 Tip If you don’t have timeIf you don’t have time to assemble and ship a package on your own, visit sites like treatsfortroops.com, treatanysoldier.com, and uso.org to sponsor one.

]]> 65988 2 44 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/170731/44.jpg Choose a theme Choose a category. It’s best to pick one kind of item ¬¬– food, toiletries, or gadgets – and stick with it. No one wants to eat trail mix that’s shared an enclosed space with deodorant.

]]> 65989 3 56 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/170731/56.jpg Pick food items For a food-themed box, pick non-perishable goods like powdered drinks, chips, dried fruits, protein bars, mints, pretzels, nuts, hard candy, small packages of popular crackers or cookies, ramen, tea, instant hot chocolate and coffee (as well as other instant foods), snack mix, and cereal.

]]> 65990 4 77 Tip Avoid sending chocolate during the spring and summer; it melts. Also, when you send to someone you don’t know, don’t ship goods you baked yourself.

]]> 65991 5 84 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/170731/84.jpg Try toiletries Troops need toiletries, too. The basics are great, but also consider lip balm, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, cushioned insoles, powder, razors, and packets of unscented baby wipes. Only send non-pressurized travel size toiletries, and try to send requested brands.

]]> 65992 6 103 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/170731/103.jpg Go for games and gadgets Disposable cameras, AA and C batteries, playing cards, puzzles, CDs or DVDs, phone cards, board games, Frisbees, and flashlights, as well as all kinds of reading and writing materials, are in high demand. Don’t bother sending expensive gifts that could break easily.

]]> 65993 7 120 Tip Don’t send pornography or alcohol. The military has strict regulations on both.

]]> 65994 8 125 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/170731/125.jpg Choose other useful supplies They may not be the first things that come to mind, but supplies like duct tape, baggies, sunglasses, journals, and bug spray are also good choices.

]]> 65995 9 136 Tip It’s hard to keep water cool in desert climates – many service members put a water bottle in a wet sock or hang it from a tree or moving vehicle, so extra socks are doubly practical.

]]> 65996 10 147 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/170731/147.jpg Pack it up Use a sturdy cardboard box, and get packing material to fill in the empty space. Double-tape the edges, and wrap any items that might leak in plastic bags. If you’d like a response, enclose a brief note including your home address and email.

]]> 65997 11 160 Tip If you include a note, voice your appreciation for their sacrifice. Care packages reassure troops overseas of support back home.

]]> 65998 12 169 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/170731/169.jpg Get documentation Since you’re likely shipping to a dangerous area, the postal service has strict requirements. Label your package clearly and correctly, and get postal form 2976-A and customs documentation. If you’re at all confused, visit usps.com or contact your local post office for full instructions.

]]> 65999 13 188 Fact The term “care package” comes from the organization CARE, which was formed in 1945 to aid World War II survivors.

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154759 How To Get Your FBI File AssignmentGuide 2756 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:47:07 -0800 15 Michael_Grosse ]]> 96 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/3/59/47/15/154759.flv DIY, Instructional, tutorial, Do It Yourself, Tips, Essential Skills, Learn to, language, politics, citizenship Language & Reference Politics & Citizenship Citizenship Tasks 1 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/154759/Picture_7_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.png http://www.howcast.com/videos/154759-How-To-Get-Your-FBI-File 843 188373 How To Research Your Genealogy and Family Tree AssignmentGuide 781 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:17:57 -0700 4 dogtide ]]> 98 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/3/73/83/18/188373.flv language, researching, Genealogy, genes, genetic, family, tree, roots, history, personal Language & Reference Reference Genealogy 1 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/188373/Picture_3_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.png http://www.howcast.com/videos/188373-How-To-Research-Your-Genealogy-and-Family-Tree 847 15403 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