Vet Sending Care Packages To Deployed Troops: How You Can Help

KENNESAW, GA — A United States Army veteran is working to provide a comfort she once cherished to today's deployed troops. Melissa Krudwig, who deployed to the Persian Gulf several times, said she received care packages from strangers and family alike while deployed and found it a "wonderful surprise," she told Patch.

Krudwig is asking the public to donate items to be packed and sent to deployed troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for the Christmas holiday. Volunteers will hold a packing party in October to set up the packages, getting them ready to be sent overseas.

"The holidays are a difficult time for the service members to be separate from their family members," Krudwig told Patch. "Sending them care packages, goodies and much needed supplies can help remind them of home and lets them know that we all care for them and value them."

For more information, visit Krudwig's post on the Patch Event Calendar.

"I greatly value our military and their families. This is a group effort," she said. "Everyone that helps values them too and we are all honored to give back and surprise deployed service members with Christmas care packages."

Krudwig says she has been sending care packages for over five years and wants to increase their impact on the troops, adding she hopes to send 225 packages out this year.

The drop off deadline for care package items is on Oct. 16. Drop off locations for items are at BounceU and at Krudwig's office at 3405 Dallas Hwy. #720 in Marietta.

The packing party will be on Oct. 23, from 6 to 8 pm at BounceU at 1634 Cobb International Blvd. NW in Kennesaw. Krudwig said Stephanie Rice, the owner of BounceU, is instrumental in providing this service and is a veteran herself.

They're asking for:

• Snacks:
  • Gum
  • Hard candy (nothing that will melt)
  • Trail mix
  • Granola bars
  • Christmas-related cookies or candies, non-perishable
  • Beef jerky
  • Powdered drink mixes (Gatorade, for example)
• Entertainment:
  • Current magazines
  • Small travel games or puzzles
  • Playing cards
  • Books
  • Small footballs
• Toiletries:
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Travel-sized wet wipes
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Anything else that fits these categories