I want to send christmas cards to soldiers in Iraq, how could I get a lot of people to donate cards or stamps?

Answer 1

Most simply, you can have a community drive. Make up flyers, and talk to local businesses, especially those that are owned by local owners (they won't have to clear things through their corporate office that way). Have them be collection points for donations and postage stamps. Pass out flyers in neighborhoods, at schools and churches (places like that you need to talk to a person in charge and have them pass out the flyers--make the school or church a collection point for donations). Also, see if you can contact your local newspaper and see if they will do a story on you and your project. Even the smallest mention is sure to get you lots of publicity and a lot of donations.

I should tell you, however, that unlike previous wars, the US government is not taking mail for general delivery this time around. During the Gulf War, I wrote countless letters and cards, and sent them for general delivery, and they were simply given to soldiers. I even got a few letters back :) However, I read recently that there is so much mail going to the Middle East right now, that the government has had to shut down that particular program. You must have the name and specific address for a person in uniform in order to send mail. All other mail is being returned.

The article I read about it, which was in my local newspaper, said that despite the ban on general delivery mail (meaning to just any soldier), the government is allowing care packages containing personal items like toiletries, snacks, candy and gum. For obvious reasons, things like chocolate are a bad idea, but you could still do your project and send care packages instead of cards. Obviously, your money won't go as far, but you can still do a drive for donations and postage costs.

Make up a list of the items you want to send, and be specific. Don't just say toiletries, say soap, disposable razors, deodorant, tampons, etc. Then, when you have collected your items, print off some little cards to go with them, saying they are from you and the people of your community. Make up little kits in gallon sized zipper bags, and mail them off. That kind of stuff does go through, and I am sure it would be greatly appreciated.

I didn't mean to rain on your parade, as I think you have a great idea. You just cannot send regular mail. But your idea of sending something for the holidays is really splendid. Just get yourself organized, talk to the local post office so you know what you can send and the costs involved, and then get started!

Hope it goes well!

Answer 2

Send an email at your work. I think people may be a little hesitant to just give somone stamps. So what I would do is pass out addresses and have other people send out the cards. It's a great Idea. Theres also a website called soldiersangles.com and they do somwhat of the same thing. You may want to look into that as well.

Answer 3

You asked two not associated questions.

I can understand you want to send christmas cards to soldiers in Iraq. There used to be a website for that....but anyway why not contact people who are doing the shoebox project or the project wherein they send books to soldiers and add your card. to their package.

then you ask how can you get a lot of people to donate cards or stamps? for what? have them donate that to you so that you can send them? ummm...won't happen. For one thing the projects have problems getting people to even donate the postage to send the necessities they collect for our soldiers now.

If you can't do a project yourself, and with your own money, then don't do it. Do it by email.

Answer 4

go to an elementary school and talk with one of the teachers. She can ask her students to each bring a card to school with a heartfelt note to a soldier in Iraq. Many of the soldiers have children of their own. A nice drawing and a sentence or two from children is a nice project for you to start with..

Answer 5

If you go to a website called anysoldier.com you can get direct addresses for soldiers, pick one and send a whole box of them to that contact, he/she will make sure they go to people who get none. As far as donations go, forget about the stamps and do the above. I have been supporting for about two years and have found this is something you will have to fund yourself. Well worth the investment. Sometimes I talk about the program to the right person and I get all kinds of goodies. Examples would be, your dentist, people at your local stores who know what you do, if they have any promotional packs they are usually happy to hand them over. Good luck. It's truly a great thing you are wanting to do, very rewarding for all involved.

I'm back. This is something that is very dear to my heart. Again, go to anysoldier.com. You will find thousands of contacts who are just waiting for you to send them what they need. To just let them know you care and worry about them even though you dont know them. If you get any answers that tell you that it can't be done don't listen. This is so easy to do you can't believe it. As far as getting funds, once you start you will find that you will GLADLY give up your coffee and cigs for the day so that you can send out a box instead. $8.10 flat rate. Start with things you already have at home, granola bars, soup mix, fruit snacks, anything like that. The 99 cent store is great for a goodie box and cheap. This is so easy to do and a great cause. Don't give up.

AND THEY ARE ACCEPTING MAIL. YOUR PACKAGES WILL GO THROUGH!!! If you want it there by Christmas though you better get busy NOW!! U R GREAT!! And don't forget Afghanistan.


I'm back again. I remembered this morning that I happen to have a bunch of cards that my neighbor gave to me for this purpose. I was going to send them out blank so that the troops could send cards home. I've asked if they would like them a few times but my friends always seem to forget to give me an answer. I know they have more pressing things to worry about. If you would like I will send them to you. I know her and I know I will get more. If you want them they are yours, email me with your name and address. [e-mail]

Answer 6

I sent to family members you are not living at home anymore. I don't send as much as I use to. Also I am more inclined to send emails now to close friends or ones living near by. I also pick up the phone as well.

Answer 7

ask local churches and schools. ask people at your job. make a flyer to post in local businesses with a contact number asking people to donate such items. ask local businesses for money to buy the cards. we live in a military town and they are very supportive of military causes.

Answer 8

Heres a good website with addresses and its updated daily. Start there and make sure you get the cards out early...they tend to take awhile to get there. www.anysoldier.com

Answer 9

the fastest way wud be to email frens and colleagues , otherwise write a letter to the newspaper for donations.

Answer 10

Not sure, but Good luck! And good for you for wanting to send cards to the troops. =)