Care Packages for our Service Men and Women
This year I am coordinating a community care package drive for Australian troops serving overseas, collecting packages in my office.
During my visit to Afghanistan last year I witnessed the enormous morale boost that messages from home had for our service men and women.
To show our community support for the troops this Christmas, I want everyone to consider doing their part by putting together a small care package. Care packages can be sent to troops serving in the Solomon Islands, East Timor or Afghanistan, and there is also the opportunity to send a package to the Explosive Detection Dogs, as long as a treat for the handler is included!
Packages can also include a letter of support. A message to the troops will let them know that they are in our hearts and minds as they are serving our country.
Care packages should be packed in a “BM” size box, which is available from Australia Post for approximately two dollars. Packages can be up to 2kg (cubed), but there is no limit on the number of boxes you can send.
Addressing your Care Package
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You can choose where your care package is sent. All you need to do is to address your package to one of the addresses below.
To send a care package to an ADF member in the Middle East (including Afghanistan), address the package to the following.
An Australian Defence Member
Goodwill Mail
AFPO 60
Middle East Operations
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890
To send a care package to an Australian Explosive Detection Dog in Afghanistan, address the package to:
An Australian EDD Handler
Goodwill Mail
AFPO 60
Middle East Operations
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890
To send a care package to an ADF member in East Timor, address the package to the following.
An Australian Defence Member
Goodwill Mail
AFPO 61
East Timor Operations
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890
To send a care package to an ADF member in the Solomon Islands, address the package to the following.
An Australian Defence Member
Goodwill Mail
AFPO 62
Solomon Islands Operations
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890
What can be included in Care Packages
Be creative with donations while being mindful of Australia Post’s guidelines for the free delivery of care packages. Some suggestions are listed below, as are the general restrictions. It is recommended that any donated goods collected by EOs, and which are unable to be sent due to size or weight, be donated to local charities.
Toiletries
- Deodorant (non aerosol)
- Shaving cream (non aerosol)
- Small bottle of talcum powder
- Disposable razors
- Shower Gel
- Lip Balm
Food
- Instant Noodles
- Biscuits
- Lollies
- Small tinned consumables
- Non perishable foods
Other ideas
- Magazines – from Vogue to Men’s Health
- Puzzle books
- DVD’s
- Socks
- Letters of support including a stamped, self addressed envelope – this way soldiers can thank you for the donation
What not to include
- Pornographic material
- Alcoholic beverages
- Clothing (except socks)
- Pork products
- Cigarettes
- Perfumery products
