SHFM Foundation We Care Program
The We Care program allows SHFM members to support a member of the military by purchasing goods, packing and sending a very much appreciated Care Package to an Active-Duty Service Member. Many of our Air Force Personnel, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers are deployed, far from home, in areas with limited access to retail convenience items, the everyday things we take for granted.
Questions about this program can be directed to Executive Director, Tony Butler at tbutler@hqtrs.com.
Information To Know About Mailing Care Packages
- Obtain either a large flat rate carton or a medium flat rate carton from your local post office. (Free). Or, go to USPS.com and order a set of 10 flat rate boxes, they will be delivered to your address of choice for free.
- Obtain a “USPS Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note” from the post office. Form 2976-R
For budgeting purposes, APO/FPO Large Flat Rates have recently changed. A Large Flat Rate is $24.25 and a Medium Flat Rate Box is $19.30 or less. We have found that the medium boxes are a great size for our purpose.
The post office requests no liquids or aerosol containers
Salty Snacks and Protein Bars are Favorites!!
| Tooth Brush | Floss | Q Tips | Deodorant (stick) |
| Baby Wipes | Any Wipes | Laundry Pods | Dryer Sheets |
| Toothpaste | Chap Stick | Chips/Crackers | Candy (not melting) |
| Gum | Mints | Lotion, all kinds | Coffee |
| Soap (Bar) | Sun Screen | Socks | Pony Tail Bands |
| Hair Gel | Band-Aids | Simple Games (cards) | Jerky (possible restrictions) |
| Foot Powder | Toothbrush cases | Magazines of interest to the 18-24 age group...sports, cars, guns, etc. | |
Some countries have restrictions as to what can be received through mail. For instance, Australia does not allow jerky or any dried meats. When I find out the country of receipt, I will mention the restrictions for you.
Construct a letter of thank you for their service and sacrifice to the service member, including a very simple introduction of yourself and SHFM.
Include your email address as the service member may wish to reply.
Here are some sample letters for you to review
Address the box. On return address, under your name, print the words “SHFM Care Package”
Addressing Military & Diplomatic Mail
Each shipment to an APO/FPO/DPO needs the recipient's name, rank, ( Air Force does not need rank) and unit, and the APO/FPO/DPO address with the 9-digit ZIP Code™. Always include a return address. Mail and shipments must be addressed to a specific person; addressing to "Any Service Member" is no longer permitted. To prevent mail from entering foreign mail networks, do not include city or country names in APO/FPO/DPO shipping addresses.
Examples Of The Address Label You Place On The Box
Army/Air Post Office (APO). (No rank for Air Force, all others yes)
PFC JOHN DOE
PSC 3 BOX 4120
APO AE 09021
Fleet Post Office (FPO)
SEAMAN JOSEPH SMITH
UNIT 100100 BOX 4120
FPO AP 96691
Diplomatic Post Office (DPO)
JOHN ADAMS
UNIT 8400 BOX 0000
DPO AE 09498-0048