Anybody sent a care package to Iraq?

[Robin1]

I am going to be sending a care package (hopefully this week.)

I was just wondering if anybody knew about how long it takes for stuff to get over there?

And how much it costs? approximately.....

Thanks,

Robin

 

[kaykay]

if you go to the usps.com site they give all the regulations etc for shipping to Iraq

 

[Wee Mite Miniatures]

The timing varies regardless if you send it regular mail or priority or whatever.

This is what I was told: The package leaves your post office and goes to a military holding place for mail. It can sit for a day or a few weeks, when they get a plane full the plane heads to Irag. From there it gets divided out to the different bases of operation. I sent a package regular post, a cousin sent one the same day, same time, same post office but used priority. I am sure hers got to NJ ahead of mine but they both got to our cousin in Irag at the same time.

At the time the begining they were taking over a month. When things leveled out it was about two weeks. Still it varies.

As for cost, I sent HEAVY boxes since I used hard candy for a filler. 12 x18 x 12 box??? or smaller, The most I think I ever paid was $12.00. I would just tell them sent it the cheapest way.

The lightest box I sent had two bags of chips and non refrigerated dip. The dip was tape to the bottom so it would not roll about and mush the chip. I used to send all sorts of weird stuff.

 

[gatorbait4sure]

Last year at my daughter's school I organized a drive for used and new Little stuffed toys which I then packed up and sent to a depot in California. We stuffed the boxes with NON CHOCOLATE candy for the men, and shipped at least two a week for MONTHS. When the boxes got there, the men ate the candy and passed out the toys to the Iraqi children fom their vehicles. They sent us pictures and it was both happy and sad since these children were elated getting the toys and they stood there with the soldiers holding HUGE guns.......On a brighter note, the children who had donated them would wait for the pictures and yell "There's my toy!!!" They were thrilled to see something they had donated over in Iraq!

Chocolate melts in Iraq unless it's cold.

 

[The Dynamic Duo]

My uncle got his Fig Newton bars about 2-3 weeks after we sent it

 

[PrestigeMiniHorses]

Oh goodness I would say it truly depends on what happens over there. When I was dating a soldier over there during HS...It took 2 weeks for him to get a letter and then about a month for a package but if things go bad there it could be longer..The missions first...Shipping wasn't too bad for me either...I have sent a small Christmas tree to someone with all the ornaments and lights glued in place and there were gifts in there too and I don't think it was over 20 bucks if that even. Def. check out the USPS site so that way you know what you can and cannot send over there...

 

[Robin1]

Thank you everyone!!!

He wants beef jerky, so doesn't matter how long that sits. Cashews, again not a problem. Then..... he wants chocolate chip cookies. Apparently he isn't thinking about the fact that they would be coming from 100 plus degree Arizona weather and I heard it was 130 over there today. :new_shocked: :new_shocked: I was going to make them but decided since I don't put preservatives in them that wouldn't work.

:

I bought some chocolate chunk cookies at Sam's Club and will put them in an extra bag so "if" they melt it won't make a mess. He will just have to figure it ouit when the stuff gets there. I guess, we will call this a trial run.

I think I will add some hard candy, like a few of you have done. He can give it to the kids.

Robin

 

[Bluebell]

When my son and daughter in law were there i got the boxes at the post office that were 1 price for shipping regardless of the weight, they have several sizes.

I put every item seperately in zip lock baggies as that helps to keep the flavor/smells from crossing items and in case something leaks out it helps protect.

Yes they love beef jerky, no pork jerky though as that would offend the Iraqi's. The boxes are opened and inspected quite often, more or less depends on where they are going over there. But generally everything i sent they got within 10 to 14 days.