Free Military Care Packages And Supplies For Deployed Service Members

For U.S. service members deployed overseas, care packages are more than just a gesture—they serve as a vital link to home, offering comfort, morale support, and essential items that are often difficult to access in remote or austere environments. Fortunately, multiple organizations and programs offer free or low-cost care packages and supplies for deployed military personnel. These initiatives are designed to support both the physical and emotional needs of service members, and in many cases, they are available at no cost to the sender. This article explores the available programs, the types of items that can be included in care packages, and the process for requesting and sending them.

Understanding Military Care Package Programs

Military care packages are a well-established way for families, friends, and organizations to support deployed service members. These packages typically include items that improve quality of life during deployment—such as snacks, hygiene products, coffee, and other essentials. Several U.S. organizations and government programs provide free supplies or assistance with sending care packages.

One of the most notable programs is the USPS Military Care Kit, which offers free shipping supplies to send care packages. The kit includes Priority Mail boxes, address labels, and customs forms—everything needed to ship items efficiently and affordably to deployed troops.

In addition to USPS, organizations like Just Our Soldiers' Helpers (JOSH) and the USO Care Package Program provide care packages containing high-quality snacks, hygiene products, and holiday-themed items. These programs often operate on a donation or sponsorship model, allowing individuals or groups to contribute funds or items to support service members.

Free Shipping Supplies for Military Care Packages

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) offers a Military Care Kit at no cost to users. This initiative is designed to reduce the cost of shipping care packages to deployed military personnel, making it easier for families and supporters to send meaningful gifts.

The Military Care Kit includes:

• 2 Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Boxes
• 2 Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes (top loading)
• 2 Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes (side loading)
• 1 roll of Priority Mail Tape
• 6 Priority Mail Address Labels
• 6 Customs Forms Envelopes

These supplies are shipped directly to the user’s address and arrive within two to five business days, depending on location. While the kit itself is free, users may choose to pay for expedited shipping if needed.

To request a Military Care Kit, visit the USPS website and follow the instructions for ordering. The program is open to all U.S. military families and supporters, with no rank or service branch restrictions. This makes it an accessible option for anyone looking to send a care package overseas.

USO Care Packages and Their Contents

The USO (United Service Organizations) provides care packages to deployed service members, with a variety of package types available depending on the recipient's needs and location. These packages are available for request and can be replenished as needed, with no rank requirements.

The USO Care Packages include:

• Toiletry Packages: Items such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, and razors
• Female Toiletry Packages: Items like toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, razors, sanitary pads, and tampons
• Snack Packages: Energy-boosting snacks, drink mixes, and other food items that may be difficult to access overseas
• Holiday Packages: Socks, beanies, hand warmers, candy, instant coffee, and a holiday card with a note of support
• Reusable Canvas Bags: All USO Care Packages come in canvas bags with a MOLLE system, making them easy to attach to military gear

These packages are designed to be practical and portable, ensuring that service members can carry them with ease in the field. The items included are selected to provide comfort and familiarity, helping to reduce stress and improve morale. Additionally, the USO emphasizes the importance of emotional support through these packages, offering a tangible reminder of home during challenging deployments.

Care Packages from Just Our Soldiers' Helpers (JOSH)

Just Our Soldiers' Helpers (JOSH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care packages to deployed U.S. service members. The organization focuses on sending high-quality snacks, food, and hygiene products that are not readily available during deployment.

JOSH packages are sent to service members in remote locations with limited access to PX (Post Exchange) or BX (Commissary) stores. These packages are also sent to Chaplains and deployed service members who may not otherwise receive mail from home. The organization’s mission is to increase the morale of deployed troops by providing care packages filled with name-brand items that are not typically available in deployed environments.

JOSH initially planned to complete its operations by the end of 2024 but has continued to ship packages on an as-needed basis until all funds are exhausted. The care packages typically include a mix of snacks, hygiene products, and other comfort items that help service members feel connected to home.

Other Care Package Initiatives and Specialized Programs

In addition to the USPS and USO programs, several other organizations offer specialized care packages tailored to the needs of deployed service members. These programs often focus on unique challenges faced during deployment, such as limited access to quality coffee, the need for holiday cheer, or the desire to support new parents.

Roberto’s Holy Joe and Soldiers Coffee Roast

One such initiative is the Roberto’s Holy Joe and Soldiers Coffee Roast, which addresses the common issue of poor-quality coffee in deployed environments. The program provides premium coffee and roasting equipment to service members, allowing them to roast their own beans. This not only improves the quality of coffee available during deployment but also serves as a tool for team building and conversation.

The program includes:

• 255 5lb bags of premium Honduran San Lazaro Coffee
• Roasting kits with a total value of up to $3,500 per unit
• Shipping included

The goal of this program is to strengthen relationships between deployed service members and their families, particularly spouses who may experience stress due to frequent deployments.

Roberto’s Movie Night and Ministry Kits

Another initiative from the same organization is the Roberto’s Movie Night and Ministry Kits, which were developed in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. With gyms and USO centers closed, service members needed new ways to unwind and connect. These kits provide a setting for Chaplains to engage with service members and offer personal interaction and support.

The kits include:

• Movie equipment and supplies
• Items to create a cozy movie-watching environment
• Praise banners and communion table cloths for Chaplains

These kits are designed to promote morale and provide a sense of normalcy during difficult times.

New Baby Kits

New Baby Kits are another specialized initiative aimed at supporting deployed soldiers who are new parents. These kits include essential items for both the new parents and their baby, helping to relieve some of the financial stress associated with having a child while deployed.

The New Baby Kits include:

• Baby essentials such as diapers, wipes, and clothing
• Parenting supplies like baby carriers and bath essentials
• Support for up to 30 kits per unit

Each kit costs approximately $3,300, making it a significant but impactful donation to deployed families.

Roberto’s Movie Night and Ministry Kits (Continued)

The Roberto’s Movie Night and Ministry Kits were also developed to address the need for recreational and spiritual support during deployment. These kits are particularly useful in situations where service members may have limited access to entertainment or religious services.

The kits include:

• Movie projectors and screens
• Cozy blankets and pillows
• Bibles and praise banners

These items help create a welcoming environment for Chaplains and service members to gather and connect, whether for a movie night or a spiritual discussion.

Roberto’s Holy Joe and Soldiers Coffee Roast (Continued)

The Roberto’s Holy Joe and Soldiers Coffee Roast program continues to provide high-quality coffee to deployed troops, addressing the common issue of poor-quality coffee in remote locations. The program includes:

• 255 5lb bags of premium coffee
• Roasting equipment for each unit
• Free shipping

The cost per unit is approximately $165 for three 5lb bags of coffee, with additional costs for roasting kits.

This program not only improves the quality of coffee available to service members but also encourages conversation and bonding among troops, helping to strengthen unit cohesion.

Roberto’s Movie Night and Ministry Kits (Continued)

The Roberto’s Movie Night and Ministry Kits continue to provide a valuable resource for deployed service members, particularly during times when traditional recreational and spiritual activities may not be available. These kits include:

• Movie projectors and screens
• Cozy blankets and pillows
• Bibles and praise banners

These items help create a welcoming environment for Chaplains and service members to gather and connect, whether for a movie night or a spiritual discussion.

Roberto’s Holy Joe and Soldiers Coffee Roast (Continued)

The Roberto’s Holy Joe and Soldiers Coffee Roast program continues to provide high-quality coffee to deployed troops, addressing the common issue of poor-quality coffee in remote locations. The program includes:

• 255 5lb bags of premium coffee
• Roasting equipment for each unit
• Free shipping

The cost per unit is approximately $165 for three 5lb bags of coffee, with additional costs for roasting kits.

This program not only improves the quality of coffee available to service members but also encourages conversation and bonding among troops, helping to strengthen unit cohesion.

Conclusion

Military care packages and shipping supplies play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of deployed service members. Through initiatives like the USPS Military Care Kit, the USO Care Package Program, and organizations like Just Our Soldiers' Helpers, families and supporters can send meaningful and practical gifts to service members overseas. These programs offer a range of options, from basic toiletries and snacks to specialized items like coffee, movie equipment, and new baby essentials. By making care packages more accessible and affordable, these initiatives help ensure that service members receive the comfort and support they need, even when they are far from home.

Sources

1. Military.com - How to Get Free Supplies to Ship Care Packages
2. opdeployed.org - Packages
3. Just Our Soldiers' Helpers
4. USO Care Package Program
5. Crown Royal - Purple Bag Project