Care Packages for Union Members Serving in the Military

The APWU is coordinating an effort to show support for union members and their loved ones who are serving in the military. We plan to send them care packages and to acknowledge their sacrifice by posting their name, address, and photo on this Web site. [Click here for information form]

If you would like to prepare your own care package, please follow the guidelines below.

Guidelines for Creating Care Packages [printable PDF]

Do Not Send:

• Glass or breakable items
• Perishable items
• Naughty items (magazines, tapes, etc.)
• Flammable or explosive items) regardless of how harmless they may seem)

Avoid Sending:

• Items that require refrigeration after opening
• Items that can melt (such as chocolate)
• Items that can be crushed or that mash easily

All items must be in manufacturer-sealed containers. Used, opened and “don’t send” items will not be forwarded.  

"Wish List" Items Most Often Requested by Service members

The items with asterisks (*) are most desired.

Items with the note symbol (‡) should not be sent to service members who are recovering atWalter Reed Army Hospital or the Fisher House. (See below.)

Personal Items

Baby Wipes,* ‡ disposable razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, tissues, shampoo/conditioner, antibacterial and no-rinse soaps,* ‡ sunscreen ‡, hand/body lotion, lip balm, cotton swabs, bug repellant,* ‡ feminine products, deodorant, eye-drop solutions.*

Entertainment Items

Board games, card games, newly released CDs and cassettes, DVDs and videos electronic games, stationery, envelopes, pens, postage stamps, magazines, writing pads, crossword and puzzle books, footballs ‡, softballs ‡, volleyballs ‡, frisbees ‡.

Miscellaneous Items

Disposable cameras, pre-paid global calling cards* (AT&T preferred), sunglasses ‡, barbeque supplies (small grills and cooking tools) ‡, travel sewing kits ‡, shoe shine kits ‡, zip-lock bags,* cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

Food

Energy and cereal bars, hard candies and mints, microwave popcorn, hot chocolate, drink mixes,* instant soups,* ‡ snacks, candy, single serving canned goods ‡, instant pudding mix, Beef Jerky,* small-packaged condiment items ‡.

Walter Reed Army Hospital & Fisher House

Injured troops from all branches of the military who serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are evacuated to Walter Reed Army Hospital for recovery. When necessary, they are transferred to the Fisher House as outpatients.

In addition to the items listed above, these men and women need new civilian clothes and duffle bags. In many case their family members are not able to join them during their recovery, so postage is especially appreciated. The service members who have lost limbs or are unable to use their arms or legs are in need of break-away pants and side-zipper jackets.