Recently I participated in An Island Life’s gift exchange, was partnered up with Mejojac’s Memos, and received a journal (perfect for sketching out blog posts whilst away from the computer), two beautiful bracelets, and some tasty chocolates (only two remained by the time this photo was taken!):

Also included in the package was a Dr. Seuss board book for the boys (yeah!!), but it didn’t even make it into the house - it’s a great book for the car!  Thanks Melissa!

Separately (but in the end, not) the recent Independence Day holiday got me thinking about supporting our troops overseas that are going the extra mile (and in many cases extra months and years) to protect us... What can I do for our soldiers to let them know they are appreciated?

Then the above gift exchange reminded me of the concept behind Any Soldier: You select one or more soldiers from the database on their website (notice the soldier's address includes the line "ATTN: Any Soldier”). The volunteer soldiers for this effort will see the "Attn" line, and will give your letters/packages to soldiers who don't get much mail. The whole operation is run by volunteers.

What a cool way to brighten a soldier’s day, even when they are half way ‘round the world! I signed up yesterday to be connected with a soldier in Afghanistan who requested (among other things): cooking utensils, seasonings, art supplies, bobby pins, pickled mangoes, flavored chap sticks, and “shampoo and conditioner holders to hang from the shower head (and to carry items instead of laying them in the rocks while showering).”

You can find ideas for other things to send here and here. You can also find links to a few other sites that connect you with soldiers in my Linkage section (to the left beneath the ads).

Let me know if you participate!  (And what a fun thing to do with kids!)  I will be posting a picture of the stuff I send before I mail it.

This post was submitted to Works For Me Wednesday.