The Michigan Military Moms package once each quarter.  Our meetings are held for our members to package for our sons & daughters, and other troops that have a need.  Below we have information for the public (and our Moms) to use as a measure of how to package, what to package, and how to send.  We hope you find this information helpful.  Also, we are always looking for new ideas and hints - be sure to contact us with any information you feel could make this page better! 

One instance of this - when packaging cookies, and other perishable items - use a Vacuum Sealer - all 'good' military Moms own one.  If you do not have a vacuum sealer - place a piece of white bread in with your 'goodies' the bread will help keep cookies, brownies, and other baked goods fresh!

Need fillers?  Use hard candy to "fill" around the items in your box - the candy will be used and your box will truly be full of everything that can be used!

One year we had a Mom send her son an envelope with "Fall" Leaves - so he could enjoy the sights and smell of a Michigan Fall!  Think of items that would bring "home" to your troop!  Remember, as much as we miss them - they miss us and all the things that we enjoy on a daily basis and sometimes take for granted!  Bring those reminders of home to your loved one. 

BOXES:
The US Postal service provides Priority boxes FREE of charge.  There are a variety of sizes – FLAT RATE is usually best, as it has a high weight restriction with a minimal charge.  There is special Priority Mail APO/FPO FLAT RATE box available.  Check with your local post office or order supplies on line at www.usps.com.

Boxes provided by the Postal Service  TAPE WELL: TAPE CORNERS and EDGES. 

CUSTOM FORMS:

The US Postal service also provides custom forms. Be sure to fill out completely and correctly - for prompt delivery.  If shipping items of high value such as iPods, etc. - be aware that the US Postal service is only liable for the contents to the APO/FPO dispatch - which is usually San Francisco or New York.  The military takes control of the mail from that point on.  Fill out the items part of the custom form truthfully - however, you may say something like music or iPod; PSP or Gameboys can be games.  Many eyes see the customs form before they reach their destination.

Pack everything in Baggies, the incase something breaks it will not hurt other items, they will reuse the Baggies – the sand is very fine there and it gets into everything!

If you are shopping and don’t know what to get: just think about being on a trip far away from the little comfort items that make life easier. The Dollar Stores, Dollar aisle at Target, the travel size aisles of all stores - hold many of the items listed.  ALSO don't forget to find silly, nonsense items for Holidays or even for no reason.  That silly dollar leprechaun hat can bring a smile like no other at a time when one is desperately needed!

FOOD - but be careful of the weather - no chocolate that will melt in the summer!

MORE EXPENSIVE ITEMS:

Maglights – include extra batteries and carrier (MPs LOVE THESE) Gerber Multitools or Benchmade Knives Knife sharpners Camelbak Hydration Systems – MULE or HAWG etc. Camelbak cleaning kits and drying racks Handheld sewing machines or even sewing kits Grunt wonder tape Limb saving watchband -- it isn't really a watch band - but some sort of very thick material that appears to be a couple of inches wide   You can get other unique gift ideas from: Kit Up! Military.com's new gadget blog, devoted to "the stuff you weren't issued but that you couldn't have done without during your military life." http://kitup.military.com/ Camelbak - website http://www.camelbak.com/index.cfm

 

IF YOU ARE COLLECTING FROM A CORPORATION, SERVICE ORGANIZATION, ETC -
DVD players, iPods, Game systems and games. One group sent bread machines and bread mixes one Christmas - it was a BIG hit.  Think outside the box and remember our troops with items of love and reminders of home!

There is often no running water when he is on a mission and the water at the base and the water at the base is considered undrinkable.

WHAT NOT TO PACK:

This is very serious: they may face a court marshal if they receive these products ~ even unknowingly.

• NO: Obscene articles  (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc). Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials.
• NO: Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
• NO: Pork or pork by-products
• NOthing containing alcohol. (even mouthwash) 
• No Aerosol containers
• Nothing that has a white powder (cookies, etc)
• Chocolate tends to melt

Also remember items that we might think of sending with good intent, such as a rosary, may not be received by someone of that faith, and might not be considered in good taste.  Unless you know the troop you are sending items to - please remember to consider what we are mailing and how it might be received.

Michigan Military Moms is happy to accept items of donations - however, we do not have space to store items.  So please email our Packaging Chair with any ideas you have with donations to see when we will be packaging, what we might need and when we would need the items.  The organization also pays the postage for all the packages we ship - monetary donations help with the postage.  If you would like to help please email our Treasurer to see where to mail donations to.  Click to go to our CONTACTS Page for all email addresses or call our phone at 313-671-5074.

One night the MMM decided to put together "Theme Packages"  below is a collection of our efforts!! ENJOY