Are you new to Molly's Adopt A Sailor? Read this first!

[Pat L. in IL]

Welcome! You have just joined a group of the best moms on the planet!

 

What we do!

On the 1st of every month, the "Mom of the Month" will announce the group she has chosen, along with some information about them and a list of their requests. Everything is mailed to the "contact person" who then distributes things to the group. When we first started, everything was sent to sailors. Then we started getting adoption requests from other branches of the military so they are now included. This project has never been about how much money is spent to fill boxes. Due to tough economic times, we want you to know that sending letters of support and love is just as valuable as sending boxes. The snacks are eaten, the shampoo is used up, but the letters are reread countless times.

Occasionally, we receive special requests that simply cannot be ignored. Such is the case for the ongoing project for Combat Support Hospitals in Afghanistan. For more information see "Special Hugs" or contact "Kimmy P" at [e-mail].

 

Supplies:

Priority Mail APO/FPO flat rate boxes, customs form #2976-A, (if you are going to use Click-N-Ship from home also order custom form envelopes 2976E). You can get these at your post office or order at USPS.com/supplies or call 1-800-610-8734, all for FREE! They will be delivered to you for free. You will also need packing tape, large and small baggies, a marker, and Molly's Adopt A Sailor labels (more on labels later)

 

Packing the box:

Because these boxes have a rough trip, always use lots of tape. So tape the bottom and start packing. Don't pack food and toiletries together (in the summer the food will arrive tasting like deodorant). Anything that could leak should be wrapped in a baggie. In the summer, don't send things that could melt (chocolate or Chapstick). Also you cannot send anything that is carbonated or aerosol. Before you close the box, ALWAYS include a letter/note with your email address. Depending on computer access, you may get a reply. If your box is for a female, be sure to write that on the sides of the box. Use lots of tape to close the box.

 

Where to find the address:

You will also need to join the group "MAS We SHIP Love". You send a request to join and shortly you will be accepted and then you have access to addresses. The reason for this is that it provides some security for our contact.

 

Molly's Adopt A Sailor labels:

You can print these at home (see attachments at the bottom of this page) or go to www.gatorgalspecialties.com and order them. Apply the labels to the sides of the box.

 

Custom Forms:

Every box is required to be accompanied by a customs form. The form is 5 copies thick so press hard. From: your last name, first name, middle intial, then your address. To: the contact address. 1.Use general terms for contents (books, magazines, snacks, toiletries) 2. enter quantity 4. approximate value 5. Check gift 6. Check airmail 8. Post office will enter weight 9. Total value 10.Check what you prefer (I check redirect and write in "any chaplain") 13. sign & date The post office will give you a copy and you can keep it for future reference.

 

Shipping:

There are 2 ways to ship. You can take your box and customs forms to the post office. No matter the weight, the cost is $12.95.  Or you can go to usps.com and use Click-n-Ship. You print out your postage (which is $12.20)  and also print your customs form at home.Put the customs form in the customs form envelope and apply it to the top of the box along with the postage. At the post office site, you can arrange for pick-up at your house. Be sure to call your post office the morning of your scheduled pick-up day.

 

Pepsi Packing Parties:

In August, Molly's Adopt A Sailor won a grant from Pepsi. Postage may be paid for hosting or attending a packing party. Individuals do not qualify. For more information contact "Chris N. Proud Nuke Mom of Mike" or "Tammie" (Arvada, CO) at [e-mail].

 

If you have more questions, send me a message here or "Pat L. in IL". We can also PM or you can send me your phone number and I can call you. Just wait until you get your first reply from a soldier or sailor. It will melt your heart. Best wishes and thank you for joining us!

 

 

 

[Molly Molly Fo Folly]

Yeah Pat :) and thank you so much for this thread this will help SOOOO much :)

[NitaBee]

This is awesome...And this I will add.. We love you.. This is a fun group. We love to share our love, and we pour it on in more ways that one. So if you have loads of love to share, and want to have fun too. This is  the place for you. Come in, grab your favorite drink, and join the fun. Be prepared to meet alot of wonderful ladies and do alot of wonderful things that make someone  feel very special.. We are happy you are here.

[P3PilotMOM]

Really want to get involved. Really do not know where or how to begin. Help!

[Pat L. in IL]

P3PilotMom, Did you read the discussion above?? Please read it and then contact me with any questions. We here at Molly's have finished our Christmas group. Yesterday Nancy announced our January group. What we will be doing between now and the mailing date is shopping for what we will send. Welcome and hope to hear from you!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Pat, this is a great thread idea!!  Wish it was here when I started out last year, but then I wouldn't have gotten to talk to so many different people.  I'm going to refer all the MA Navy Moms to this discussion before our next packing party in Jan.  Can't wait for Jan. to arrive and we start to hear from the Cape St. George.

Merry Christmas everyone!

NYPD

[Susan mom to Niko]

Great info...  and be sure to compare the mailing cost of mailing with a flat rate box or if is full of cup of noodles (really  ultra lightweight) then mailing at priority rate...

[nancy (ian's mom & tanya's mil)]

Seems we have a few new moms so I thought I could just push Pat's welcome wagon to the front of the line.  : ) Just being helpful.

[Pat L. in IL]

Thanks Nancy, I get notified of all new moms and direct them to this thread as well as invite them to ask me questions!

[diane {Shawns mom}]

Moving up top for new moms to read...

I am thinking this discussion should be UP top ALL THE TIME??? Did you beautiful, intelligent, ladies agree????

[Pat L. in IL]

Well, certainly I do!!!!! YUK! YUK! YUK!

[diane {Shawns mom}]

is that a YUK YUK YUK laugh or a YUK YUK YUK, YUK? LOL....

want to see IF we can feature discussions???..

[Pat L. in IL]

You've never watched the 3 Stooges???? That was a YUK laugh!