Give Back This Year...To Our Aussie Troops!

Hello booklovers!

Today, I'd like to take a moment and ask you to take a step back from reading.

I think as human beings, we often get caught up in our own lives. We get caught up in the hussle and bussle of our day to day lives and I think we're all guilty of being slightly selfish at times. I know, I myself, often get so caught up in my own world (or the ones I read about in books) that I don't take stock of the things going on around me.

And in saying that, it's so easy to forget about our soldiers, both here in Australia and around the world. Regardless of your status or your opinion regarding the war in Afghanistan and other places around the world, I think every individual should respect the men and women that help protect innocent lives by fighting for freedom and justice.

So this Christmas I'm urging you all to give back. Give to them!

It can cost so little to send a care package overseas to a sodlier serving our country. Brighten their Christmas's and show them that even though they're half way around the world and have never met you....you're thinking about them.

Right now I'm talking to my Aussie followers specifically (and the instructions below are instructions to send to Aussie troops), but those overseas can head to many different websites including http://www.thesoldiersfamily.com/ to find out how they can donate.

_____________________   How to send care packages to Australian Troops
These instructions on how to send care packages to Australian troops are for those residing in Australia.

Care packages can be sent free of charge to the Middle East, East Timor and the Solomon Islands so long as they strictly comply with Australia Post guidelines. Packages can be sent to either male or female personnel.

In order to qualify for free postage, care packages can weigh no more than 2kg (cubic weight limit) and should be packaged within a “Bx2” sized box, which are available from Australia Post for approximately $2.25. You will also be required to fill out some Customs forms and it is suggested that you use a liberal amount of packing tape to ensure that all of the contents arrive at their destination.


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in Afghanistan, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female

An Australian Soldier
Op Slipper AFPO 13
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in the Middle East, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier
Middle East Operations
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in East Timor, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier Anzac Day Mail
East Timor Operations
AFPO 61
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in the Solomon Islands, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier
Solomon Islands Operations
AFPO 62
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890


For those of you that are animal lovers, you may wish to do the following: sending care packages to our Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) with the following items included:

1 x box dog biscuits
1 x beef bone (not fresh)
3 x "greenies" 1x toy
1 x tennis ball
and don't forget a couple of packets of lollies for the handler.

The dogs do a magnificent job under very trying conditions and to date, four have lost their lives serving their country. The address is:

An Australian EDD Handler
Op Slipper
AFPO 13
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890


Items you can send:
Toiletries:
Deodorant (non aerosol)
Shaving cream (non aerosol)
Small bottle of talcum powder
Disposable razors
Shower Gel
Lip Balm SPF+30
Perfume samples (non glass)
Baby wipes

Food: Instant Noodles/Cup a Soup
Biscuits Lollies - Mentos
Small tinned consumables
Flavored teas
Non-perishable foods

Other ideas:
Needles for sewing
Magazines
Puzzle books
DVDs
Socks
Letters of support
Stamped, self addressed envelopes – this way soldiers can thank you for the donation

What NOT to include:
Clothing (except socks)
Pornographic material
Alcoholic beverages
No Aerosol items
Pork products
Cigarettes
Chocolate (if sending to warm climates)

**People are also asked to use their imaginations. If there's anything you can think of and think soldiers might appreciate, please add it.

Find out more information here: http://www.allozcards.com.au/AU_soldiers.html

___________________   Now, my family and I are already getting our care packages together. We're hoping to get members of my church involved and I would LOVE it if you guys would considering sending something to a soldier this Christmas. You don't have to spend a lot--just a throw in a few items in your local shopping to go specifically to the solider.

Thanks guys.....just have a think about it!

Hugs,
Rach xx