Hi... I'm looking for resources on organizing efforts to send "stuff"
over to the soldiers in Iraq.  Preferably, I'd like to get my
co-workers organized, take up a collection, etc.

These are my questions:
Is there a site, or service, that will ship over donated items?
Is there a list somewhere about what is really needed/requested, and
what we cannot send?
More or less, how do i go about sending over donated items, making
sure it's "legal" and goes to the right place?

I've heard anecdotal comments that they need toiletries, etc.  I've
also heard we can't send them beer. :(

Anyway, any tips/input etc on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Scary

scaryberry...

It is great to learn about people who want to lend their support to
our troops in Iraq.  The best source I have found to learn what to
send, who to send it to and how to send it can be found at
AnySoldier.us (http://www.anysoldier.us/index.cfm).  This is a
fabulous resource that lists wanted items, how to send and even has a
list of servicemen who have contacted them and has specific lists from
their units.

Operation Interdependence (http://www.oidelivers.org/) is an
organization that helps people organize group giving efforts for
offices, schools, etc.that they will ship.

Operation Shoebox (http://www.operationshoebox.com/) has lists of
items and will send them for you.

Operation Military Pride (http://www.operationmilitarypride.org) has a
great list of items as well as mailing instructions

U.S. Troop Care Package (http://www.ustroopcarepackage.com/) has a
list and will send items to trops that have submitted their
information

4 the Troops (http://4thetroops.net/) will match you up with a service
member and let you "adopt" that person and begin correspondence and
care packages.

Thank you so much for wanting to support these heroes.  If you need
any additional clarification, please let me know.

Regards,

-THV

Search Strategy:
sending stuff to troops iraq

tar heel, thanks for the answer, and pink, thanks for the excellent tip.
One followup question if I might - it seems from the sites I need to
send to a specific soldier in order to ensure delivery... any way
around that?  I.e., send to the quartermaster of a unit?

Thanks again for the links!

Scary

In addition to the excellent organizations that THV found for you, you
may also want to check with your local chapter of the VFW. In many
areas, VFW members are preparing "care packages" of items that the
troops can use. The VFW takes care of the packing and postage; all you
have to do is drop off the goodies.

scaryberry...

Thanks for the 5 star rating and the generous tip.  In regards to your
follow up, due to security reasons, mail sent to the attention of "any
solider" won't get delivered.  My recommendation would be to pick a
service member that is listed on one of the sites as a point of
contact for a unit if you or your co-workers are looking to "adopt" a
unit.  Send him or her a package with the requested items and let them
know you would like to support their entire unit and I am sure they
would be willing to help you out.

-THV