Mail-Delivered Freebies And Support Resources For Military Families

Military families face unique challenges during deployments and frequent relocations, particularly for spouses managing households while their partners serve. Numerous organizations and programs provide mail-delivered freebies and support resources specifically designed to assist military wives and families. These resources range from essential baby items and personal care products to educational support and special occasion assistance, all aimed at easing the burdens associated with military life.

Baby and Childcare Resources

Military families expecting children or with infants have access to specialized programs that provide essential items and support:

Free Baby Blankets and Quilts

Military Families Ministry distributes free baby blankets and quilts to military families. These items are sent to Family Readiness Groups (FRGs), which then distribute them to expectant mothers whose husbands are deployed. This program ensures that military spouses receive practical support during pregnancy and the early months of parenthood, addressing a critical need when a spouse is away serving.

Free Baby Carriers

The Carrying On Project provides free baby carriers to military families. The organization recognizes that deployment and military service can disrupt the bonding process between parents and children. Baby-wearing helps maintain secure attachments between caregivers and children, something that deployment and injuries can interrupt. The Carrying On Project aims to make this difficult time a bit easier for both service members and their families by providing carriers that facilitate bonding during deployments.

Support for Expectant Mothers During Deployment

Operation Shower offers specialized support for military families expecting babies during or after deployment. To qualify, families must have a spouse or partner who is currently deployed or will be at some point during the pregnancy, be active duty with a deploying group, or have a spouse/partner who was injured during deployment. All military branches are eligible for this program. Applicants need to complete an application form, and if there is a baby shower in their area, they will be contacted. Participants receive a "Shower in a Box" containing donated items from companies and organizations.

Support for Infants and Pregnant Military Moms

Operation Top Knot, a program from Soldier's Angels, provides support specifically to infants and pregnant mothers experiencing deployments. This program recognizes the unique challenges faced by military families during the prenatal period and infancy, particularly when a spouse is deployed.

Care Package Support and Mailing Resources

Sending care packages to deployed loved ones is a common practice for military families, and several resources help facilitate this process:

Free Packing Supplies from USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers free packing supplies for military spouses with deployed partners. This kit includes address labels, customs forms, Priority Mail tape, and six boxes. These materials can be ordered online and help reduce the cost and effort involved in sending care packages overseas. The pre-cut trees and other packaging materials can be picked up on base, providing convenient access for military spouses.

Free Postage for Military Mail

Currently, members of the Armed Forces on duty in designated combat areas can send personal correspondence free of postage to addresses in the United States. However, there is not a comparable policy for individuals in the United States to send letters and packages to troops overseas without charge. The federal government does subsidize the postage paid to send mail to troops, with senders only charged for the domestic portion of delivery, while the Department of Defense covers the cost of international transportation.

Since October 2008, the USPS has offered a discounted package service for families wishing to send packages to members of the Armed Forces stationed overseas. Various legislative proposals have been introduced to establish free postage benefits for families sending mail to deployed service members, though these have not yet been enacted.

One proposed approach, outlined in H.R. 2874 (the Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2005), would have provided free postage benefits to both families of service members and charities. Soldiers mobilizing for overseas duty would have been given an allotment of special stamps (equivalent in value to $150 per calendar quarter) to send to their families or selected charities. These stamps would have permitted mailing letters and packages to service members without postage, with a 10-pound limit on packages. The Department of Defense would have reimbursed USPS for providing this service.

Organizations Sending Care Packages

Several organizations specialize in sending care packages to deployed military personnel. Operation We Are Here provides a listing of organizations that distribute items to family members through Unit Family Readiness Groups (FRGs). These organizations collect donations and send packages to deployed service members, often including items that specifically support military spouses and families at home.

Personal Care and Household Items

Military spouses have access to various programs providing personal care and household items:

Shoeboxes of Goodies for Military Spouses

A resource program provides shoeboxes filled with donated items specifically for military spouses of active duty personnel. These boxes are delivered to readiness centers on military bases, where deployed service members can give them to their spouses. Contents may include encouraging cards, religious materials, jewelry, personal care products, and even coupons for free items from businesses like Chick-fil-A. The program also offers Pampering Packs and Caring Cards, as well as devotionals, financial help, and occupational opportunities for military spouses.

Activity Grants for Children of National Guard and Reserves

The National Guard and Reserve families sometimes face challenges accessing support services from military installations. During deployments, these families may experience income loss when their military member leaves a civilian job to accept a military position overseas. Activity grants are available to help support children of National Guard and Reserve members, though specific details about application processes and eligibility requirements vary by program.

Special Occasion Support

Military families can access specialized support for significant life events and celebrations:

Free Wedding Dresses for Military Brides

Brides Across America partners with select bridal salons across the country to provide free wedding dresses to military brides. This program operates twice yearly, in July and November, at bridal boutiques nationwide. Eligible military brides can obtain their wedding gown at no cost, recognizing the financial sacrifices often made by military families.

Free Welcome Home Banners

BuildASign has provided more than 337,000 free welcome home banners and signs to military friends and families since 2008, with a total value exceeding $10 million. These banners help make homecomings special and express appreciation for service members' sacrifices. Military spouses can order custom banners online, typically paying only for shipping costs. The banners can be personalized with photos and messages to create a meaningful welcome for returning service members.

Free Recordings for Children

A Story Before Bed offers free recordings for military families with deployed spouses. Armed Forces who are deploying or have already deployed can sign up for free recordings from A Story Before Bed for their children. Service members can record themselves reading children's books, which are then sent to their children. This program helps maintain connections between deployed parents and their children during long separations. The service is available year-round and provides a meaningful way for military parents to stay involved in their children's lives despite deployment.

Educational and Professional Development Resources

Military spouses and families have access to various educational resources and professional development opportunities:

Free Homework Tutoring

Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, provides free homework tutoring to eligible college and K-12 students in military families. This program offers academic support to help military children succeed in their studies despite the challenges of frequent moves and parental deployment.

Free Professional Training and Certification

The USO, in partnership with Skillsoft, offers active-duty members, spouses, and veterans free unlimited access to an extensive library of training and certification tools. This resource supports professional development and career advancement for military spouses, who often face employment challenges due to frequent relocations and the demands of military life.

Free Concert Tickets

The Veteran Tickets Foundation teams up with major sports teams, leagues, promoters, organizations, venues and ticket holders to provide free and discounted tickets to more than 21 million military personnel and veterans. Currently serving military and honorably discharged veterans from all branches of service, as well as family members of those killed in action, are eligible for free military appreciation tickets.

Free Amusement Park Admissions

Military families can enjoy various amusement park discounts, including complimentary admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort & Water Park for U.S. service members. This offer is not available online and must be redeemed in person.

How to Access These Resources

Accessing military freebies and resources typically involves one of several processes:

1. Direct Application: Many programs require completing an application form, either online or through a military installation. This includes programs like Operation Shower and various childcare support services.

2. Through Family Readiness Groups (FRGs): Many resources, including baby blankets and care packages, are distributed through FRGs. Military spouses should connect with their unit's FRG to learn about available resources.

3. Base Resources: Some resources, like the shoeboxes of goodies, are distributed through military base readiness centers. Spouses should inquire at their local installation about available support services.

4. Online Ordering: Resources like BuildASign banners and USPS packing supplies can be ordered online through the respective organization's websites.

5. In-Person Distribution: Some programs, like Brides Across America wedding dresses, require in-person visits to participating locations during specific events.

Military spouses should note that eligibility requirements vary by program. Some resources are available to all branches of service, while others may have specific eligibility criteria based on deployment status, family composition, or financial need. Most programs that are offered to veterans are also offered to spouses, and when this isn't explicitly stated on an organization's website, it's worth contacting them directly to inquire.

Conclusion

Military families have access to a wide range of free resources and support services designed to ease the challenges associated with military life, particularly during deployments. These mail-delivered freebies and resources address various needs, from baby supplies and personal care items to educational support and special occasion assistance. By taking advantage of these programs, military spouses can receive practical support that helps maintain family stability and well-being during periods of separation.

The organizations offering these resources demonstrate the nation's appreciation for military service and sacrifice. For military wives, these programs provide not just material goods but also emotional support and recognition of their unique contributions to military families. Whether through a simple care package, a baby blanket for an expectant mother, or professional development opportunities, these resources help military families "carry on" during the challenges of service.

Sources

1. Operation We Are Here - Family Support Organizations
2. Every CRS Report - Free Postage for Military Mail
3. Arts Crackers - Deployment Freebies and Resources
4. True Money Saver - Military Appreciation Freebies
5. Sandboxx - Resources for Military Spouses