As U.S. troops continue to deploy and defend our nation overseas, many Americans want to know how to send care packages for service members -- even if they don't personally know them.
Our country loves supporting our troops both at home and overseas. And care packages sent to overseas bases or stateside hospitals are a great way to show that gratitude.
But how do you find service members to support if you don't know their names or mailing addresses? And what should you send in a military care package? Searching for troops to support online can get tricky, especially given the number of scam artists pretending to be U.S. service members. What you need is a trusted, vetted source.
Fortunately, since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan started, a slew of organizations have stepped up to fill this support gap. These non-profits, previously recommended by the Department of Defense, provide a variety of care package services. Some of these organizations allow you to donate so they can continue to provide care packages. Others give you the ability to order a care package yourself.
Note: next to each name is an acronym noting where the organization has been vetted. They are: Combined Federal Campaign (CFC); Better Business Bureau (BBB); Charity Navigator (CN); GuideStar (GS).
Care Packages for Troops
AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort (BBB, GS)
Comfort for America's Uniformed Services (CFC, GS)
Eagle's Watch Foundation (CFC, GS)
For the Troops (GS, State of California Charity Registry)
Landstuhl Hospital Care Project (CFC, Independent Charities of America)
Little Patriots Embraced (CFC, GS)
Military Missions in Action (BBB, GS)
Montana Supporting Soldiers (GS, United Way of Lewis and Clark County)
Operation: Care and Comfort (CFC, GS)
Operation Homefront (CFC, BBB, CN, GS)
Project Thank You (GS, State of California Charity Registry)
Silver Star Families of America (BBB, GS)
Soldiers' Angels (CFC, CN, GS)
Tennessee's Helping Hearts (BBB, GS)
The Mission Continues (BBB, GS)
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