Quote:
Originally Posted by buggyone
How are these "shoeboxes" distributed to the soldiers? I definitely can see them being appreciated in the areas where there are no PX's set up for the soldiers. However, in areas where a PX is available, a soldier is able to buy any of the items included in the shoebox at a fraction of what we buy it for at the drugstore or supermarket.
I really am interested in the process of how the "shoeboxes" are distributed.
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Thanks for your interest. This is the answer.
Operation Shoebox has to have specific addresses to send to.
The care packages cannot be shipped randomly to just anywhere. Usually – as I understand it – it is done by request of the troops and/or their family or friends.
People are welcome to stop by at Lake Miona Recreation Center after Noon time most Mondays to take a tour of the operation and to ask any questions.
The Thrift store in Belleview is a big boost to providing funds for postage (a major expense) and items to be sent overseas.
Much of what goes to the troops is from donations and fund-raising activities.
All containers – either ditty bags or Christmas stockings or Hanukkah bags –
are cut and sewn by volunteers.
Hope that helps answer your question.
I do know that those service men and women that receive them are very grateful for the stuff they get.
There are often articles in the Daily Sun where the service men and women have expressed their gratitude to the various people that send out these packages.
A lot of these service men and women are on the front lines or in a outpost where there is no PX to get to. All of these supplies are above and beyond what they can personally get.
It also makes them feel good to know that we think about them and support them in the sacrifices that they are making.
And to me, no amount of money that they make is worth the bullets, rpgs, and IEDs that they have to face on a daily basis - front lines or rear echelon area.
Just think of it as doing a good deed.
Z