I received this note from a reader and thought we could put our heads together to help her think of something wonderful!
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“I’m currently living in Germany where I’m stationed with my husband who is deployed with the 527th MP CO. They’re returning this summer after a long 15 months away. My 3 year old and I can hardly wait to have “daddy” back home. I’m working on a “Welcome Home’ gift for all 44 soldiers. Many of who are single and will return to their dorm rooms. If you could help me in coming up with an EASY and CHEAP idea to give to the soldiers I’d greatly appreciate it. Remember I’m in Germany and I don’t access to many materials like I would if we were in the states. If you’re able to help me out in any way I’d be VERY thankful!!”
“I think the number one thing they’ve missed is comfort! But my husband is looking forward to going to the fridge to grab whatever he wants. They’ve been limited to food since the area they are deployed is without a Shopette or PX. So all the snacks he has had I’ve sent in care packages.
We actually are getting the keys to the single soldiers barracks so we can go decorate the hallways and clean their rooms. I was hoping to come up with something that we could make ahead of time since we’re not sure when they will be getting back. I just need HELP and FAST!! “
I know when my uncle was stationed in Iraq during Desert Storm my Girl Scout Troop sent cookies and letters. My uncle wrote us that the cookies where gone instantly. So cookies would be great. Also have the kids make signs or letters for the guys/girls. There is nothing sweeter than something drawn by a child for anyone. Good luck and I think what you are doing is great.
Like many comments, I too think that homemade goodies would be best. Can’t get any better than homemade chocolate chip cookies!
Perhaps some ear plugs so they can get some good sleep?
Hi how about new socks,underwear ,pajamas,white undershirts,slippers,soap,shavers
Everytime that my husband and his unit were deployed to the hot areas they loved coming home and eating chocolate – because that was the one treat you could not really send because it would be melted before they got it!!!! What bout making them an Easter basket (since they all missed Easter) from 1 quart strawberry baskets, you know the plastic green ones, and filling them with homemade chocolates!
What you are doing is great – good luck!!
Oh thanks so much for your service!!!
I don’t remember where, but last week I saw some really cute paper covers for Hershey’s bars
I was a military wife also (my husband retired recently! YEA!!!), and all of the above are great ideas. I especially like the backyard BBQ idea. Good music, maybe a game on TV (someone you know may have taped the superbowl??) and good food! Sounds great to me! You could incorporate the “goody bags” of cookies and homebaked treats as “party favors”, given out as they leave.
You could make shrinky-dink stars with that saying on it. Then they can put a ball chain and attach it to their equipment. They are light and easy to make. Or maybe even a t-shirt supplier could donate some shirts and you could do an iron on? I am trying to think outside the box?! For those with kiddos – pictures and letters would do wonders. Thanks for your sacrifice so that my family can be free. Good Luck and God bless!
She has a printer-I could make it so she could print it on fabric and sew a cuff on the pillowcase. That would be alot of work for her though! I love that saying too! What other printables could I make for her with the saying, “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.” Treat bag toppers, a garland, food picks………..ideas?
Cindy
http://www.skiptomylou.org
I love that “Home of the Free Because of the Brave” saying listed above…. too bad someone with an embroidery machine couldn’t embroider that on the cuff of a flannel pillowcase……
I guess the first thing you need to do is make a list of your realistic resources on and off base.
with in your personal circle of friends encourage them to help you with the labor part.
I dont know the political climate in Germany or how people view Americans there but perhaps you could visit a local church and get some help that way. with goods or donation of time from people.
A local bakery might want to provide some assistance but not sure. Perhaps the local market would supply you with the items needed to bake the goods instead.
You might want to include one beer for each batch of cookies for each fella. Dont make a dozen for each fella, just like 6. Then think of a few appreciation messages and make individual thank you notes to also include with cookies and the beer. Germans like beer so you should be able to get the beer.
you might be able to get someone to donate the paper plates for the cookies and someone to donate some paper for the card creations.
Try a local paper company, if there is one.
where in Germany are you
I could do some personal research for you if you provide me with more information.
you may contact me via my web site.
I think a handmade card from a child would be appreciated. Also, what about a home-cooked buffet dinner? I’ve participated in something like this on an Air Force base where people from the squadron put together a home cooked Thanksgiving meal for the military member in the dorms.
I think it is not possible but if you could receive their whith a sofa, where they take a very cold beer while watching football… 😀
I like the idea of a little gift waiting in his bed. Perhaps families could send some small detail or a special word that would go along with the package of goodies.
Sorry for my terrible english, hugs from spain 🙂
Hi, Brightest Blessings to you and your courageous family. There is a website http://www.wishuponahero.com, where you join for free. You then post your wishes. People ask for the smallest to the greatest of wants. I joined awhile ago, although I’ve never “wished” for anything for myself. People donate all kinds of things. You might be able to get some materials/goods for decorating/baking. Let me know.
How about dollar store items? Even that will run up a hugh bill for 44 people. How about your hometown gradeschools here in the US? Having them raise the goods and ship them over? always newsworthy. Let me know if I can help. Good Luck
I meant “guys aren’t real craft appreciative.” Oops
When my husband would return from sea, the first thing he wanted was pizza or his favorite fast food meal. I don’t know what Germany has to offer in that area, but if there’s a popular fast food type place, ask for one meal’s worth of gift certificates/ vouchers. If you have family/ friends in the states, maybe they can get better response for you. Military sentiment is high (in our area at least) and companies are willing to donate for the troops. Definitely go with homebaked goods…think bar cookies or rice krispie treats – anything that can be made in large batches. A few bottles of beer, cokes or local favorite drinks are a good idea. Maybe Cindy could redo her valentine heart banners to say something like…H O M E !….T H A N K S…use ribbon or double sided tape to hang them on the doors. Guys are real craft appreciative most of the time, so stick to food and simple notes of thanks and welcome.