Give us your care package ideas!

[Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor]

Since we are now able to send packages, wouldn't it be great if we shared our creative ideas of what we intend to send to our sailors?

[CJ's Mom]

This sounds absoluetly wonderful. CJ loves apple pie and would like a home made one.

[Rose7..Norfolk]

My son don't want me to send anything.  He even told me that he will pay me back the cost of the tickets and we (when he call we put him on speaker in that way he don't need to repeat twice what he said) told him that we don't want him to pay us nothing.  He just need to save his money and make us proud.

[Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor]

That's so great that he wants to pay you back.  Our boys became such responsible adults, didn't they?  

My son told me today that he wants to pay me back for the postage on the packages that I sent him.  (It was over $50, since I mailed him 4 boxes)  I told him the same thing you did, that I just want him to save his money.  :) 

[Rose7..Norfolk]

Yes, we teach them good, I'm so proud of my son.  We have good kids and we always have to praying for them that they keep going in the right direction.  I always told my son not because they here (navy) that mean that they are good.  Always choose your friends and do good, in the future when you look back you don't have to regret anything.  I understand that we make mistakes but I see so many things....  My fear and I think the majority of us is keeping them on track. I was watching on you tube just now some videos of kids in the Navy and I can't believe what they said and the behavior.  My pray everyday I don't know how many times in the day is God keep my kids on track, direct them and protect them.  Sorry that I give all this speech but it really scare me.

[CJ's Mom]

you have every right to be afraid - our society has raised a me generation who feels they are entitled to get and recieve everything. I pray my son remembers to treat others as he wants to be treated and to respect all life no matter of race or creed.   

There is so much on TV and movies that makes sex and swearing common place and just another thing to do. And so there is lude and raunchy gestures and behaviors and people think it is funny.

 

All we can do now Rose is pray for our young adults and trust they learned something growing up that will set them apart.

[Lori_KingsBay_USSRI_Radio]

Making Chocolate Chip Cookies today - sending A a care package out tomorrow.  Who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies!!!

[Lori_KingsBay_USSRI_Radio]

Some tips I found on the Internet for sending cookies; some of the tips are for overseas shipments which we don't have right now but at some point we will:

 

Baking:

• I use the recipes off the packages of chocolate chips and oats. If you do not have time to bake from scratch, "extra moist" or cake mix that contains pudding makes a very good cookie. The basic recipe is 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 2 large eggs per box. You can be creative by adding Rice Krispies, raisins, white chocolate chips, M&M's, etc. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes (but underbake at least one minute). 
• If you send peanut butter cookies or any cookies that contain nuts, please label each bag "contains nuts."
• Underbake the cookies about one minute to preserve the freshness.
• In humid environments, add 1/2-1 tsp. of baking powder per batch.
• Chocolate chip (substitute with M&M's May-October), oatmeal-raisin, peanut butter and snickerdoodles are the most popular cookies.
• Freeze the cookies until you are ready to ship them.
• Avoid sending moist breads (such as banana bread) during humid summer months--they mold quickly.

Packing:

• You can use regular fold-top sandwich bags, no zip-locks. Put 6 cookies front to back in the bags and twist-tie them. It will look something like a "tube." Be generous with your packing material which can be Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap, plastic grocery bags, or shredded paper. Nest the cookies in the packing material. With careful packing, you can get 5 dozen cookies, individual packets of drink mix, i.e., cocoa, tea bags, Kool-Aid, etc., hard candy and your letter in each box.
• Any toiletries should be packed in separate boxes from the cookies.
• Go to the USPS website to order flat rate boxes. These supplies will be delivered to you at no charge.  They are also available at the PO.  
• Once the box is full, shake it to ensure that nothing is moving. Add more packing if necessary, especially in the corners.
• Make sure that all boxes are securely taped. Seal all edges of the box.

Shipping:

• You must have the name and address of a specific soldier. 
• Flat Rate - on form 2976-A there is a space asking what you want to happen to the box if your soldier is not available. I check "abandon." Also write in, "Do not return." Your postal employees will assist you in filling out the form if necessary. I suggest you have your box ready for shipment before you get to the Post Office. It is not necessary to leave the box unsealed for inspection by the postal employees.
• If the cookies are too hard by the time of arrival overseas, the soldiers can use them as weapons.

I also ordered via the USPS link above a set of different size flat rate boxes for use in sending care packages so that I have them on hand. 

 

[Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor]

Lori, have fun.  I'm baking after the game.  

Thanks for all the tips on shipping.

 

Betsy 

[Nancy]

Lori thanks for the info. Also, the box that IB rented won't accept the USPS boxes, only Fed Ex, UPS, and something else I can't remember. Just in case your kids rented the same kind of box. I figured it out AFTER I had packed up my USPS box.
Nancy

[CJ's Mom]

Thanks these are some great ideas

[Sharon]

I'm driving my care package down to my son this weekend.  It's three hours by car.  If he can go off base, I'll take him to lunch.  Otherwise, I'll drop the stuff off to him and head home after checking out VA Beach.  He's getting a couple sets of civvies, his new sneakers, his camera, and some Pocky.

[Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor]

Sharon,

Wooho!  I bet you are pretty excited.  

What is Pocky, btw?

Betsy