USACEpublicaffairs / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

In a comment, Susie A. suggested we find organizations that facilitate sending items to soldiers overseas. Care packages include items soldiers need or enjoy while they are away from home. To create inexpensive care packages you can buy items in bulk, organize a collection in your community, or use coupon matching to score free items like toothpaste. If you have a loved one in the military, don’t forget to take advantage of military discounts. For those that would like to send a letter or care package to service members overseas, here are three organizations that help you do so.

1. AnySoldier.com – This website allows you to find a soldier or unit of your choice to send them a letter or care package. You can browse the website to find the name of the soldier and the items he or she is requesting. The site also provides addresses to send packages to. You are responsible for paying to ship the package or letter. Properly addressing a package is a must because the U.S. post office no longer accepts mail addressed to “any wounded soldier” or the like for safety reasons. Make sure to send your care package using priority mail to save money. Overnight or express mail only insures your package will arrive to its destination in the United States. Beyond that, it is in the hands of the military.

Military families sending their loved ones care packages can order a free “Mili-kit” from the post office for free. The kit contains priority mail flat-rate boxes, envelopes and priority mail tape. To request the free Military Care package kit call 1-800-610-8734. Choose your language. Choose option 1 for Express Mail®, Priority Mail or Global Express Guaranteed products. When you reach a live agent, request CAREKIT04.

2. OpGratitude.com – This organization collects items in California to be sent to soldiers overseas. You pay to mail care items to the organization and they take care of sending the goods overseas. Or, check the website for locations and times to drop off a donation. You can also donate money via snail mail or using your credit care on the website to help cover the cost, $15 per box, of sending packages overseas. The group needs volunteers to sort donations and assemble care packages.

3. Operation Troop Aid – This non-profit organization sends care packages to troops that include among other things beef jerky and sanitizer. It costs $40 to ship a care package through Operation Troop Aid, including the contents of the package and shipping. Make donations via Paypal or mail a check or money order. They accept donations in any dollar amount, but only send out a package when they have enough money to cover shipping costs.

Tagged: care packages, care packages for soldiers, coupon matching, donations, military, military care packages, military discounts on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 · 2 Comments »