Look for our blue pop-up canopy in downtown The Dalles - bumper stickers, buttons, and conversation! Bring donations for care packages for members of the Oregon National Guard in Iraq - part of our local Values in Action campaign.
1. Donate supplies for the care packages (see list of suggestions below).
2. Donate money to help pay the postage to ship the boxes.
3. Help pack the boxes - call 298-4700 to volunteer.
Here is a list of suggested care package items, and items NOT to send:
# Baby Wipes - packets are better than tubs. Much better than baby wipes, per se, are the "Hoo Ahhs" brand of pre-moistened, alcohol-free, unscented Field Towels
# Beef Jerky/Slim Jims
# Energy Bars (Power Bar, etc. - Unless a specific brand is requested, much better than standard civilian energy bars are the "HOOAH!" brand energy bar based on the U.S. military's own specially formulated bar that better meets the soliers' needs)
# Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Red Devil, etc.) - wrap glass bottle in duct tape and place in doubled zip-lock bags
# Sunflower seeds
# Peanuts
# Seasoning Salt (Lawry's, etc.)
# Atomic Fireballs / Jolly Rancher hard candy (for service member use)
# Smarties or SweetTart candies (for local children who prefer sour style candy to build relationships with community)
# Powdered Energy/Electrolyte Replacement Drink Mix (Gatorade, etc.)
# Chewing Gum
# Avon Skin So Soft - great for removing face paint and also reputed to be an effective bug repellant (the latter seems variable based on personal experience and reports)
# AA-cell Alkaline Batteries
# Personal Hygiene Gear: Disposable Razors, Toothbrush and Tooth Paste
# Eye Wash / Drops (Visine, etc.) for flushing dust and sand out of the eyes
# Zip-Lock style Plastic Storage Bags - assorted sizes, heavier freezer style are better
# Copenhagen Snuff in a tin ("Even if the service member doesn't dip snuff, they will be a hero and have more power than the Commanding Officer if they have a 'log' (10 cans) of 'Hagen.' A large percentage of infantry use this stuff and it is hard to get. The stuff they do get comes in a plastic can and tastes terrible. The 'Stateside Hagen' is the most powerful bargaining tool in a field environment!")
# Pre-paid Phone Card so service member can call home
What Not To Send in a Care Package
Finally, DO NOT SEND:
* Anything that melts (if you just must send chocolate, send M&Ms)
* Waterless Hand Cleaner/Sanitizer - generally makes mud, wipes are preferred
* Flashlights - Everybody has one and never gets to use it due to visible light discipline restrictions.
* Compass - Everybody SHOULD already have one attached to their Load Bearing Vest/Harness
* Sun Screen - already issued in mass quantities, drowning in the stuff
* Liquor of any sort
* Pornography of any sort. This includes "soft porn" such as Playboy magazines.
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