Operation Stocking Stuffer
For those who wish to support the United States Marines and their families, Operation Stocking Stuffer offers civilians a chance to give aid to Marines, their wives, and their families.
Operation Stocking Stuffer is a nonprofit organization that sends care packages to United States Marines. They also offer support to Marine wives through various support groups, and have helped Marine families with financial support.
Operation Stocking Stuffer began when a woman, Julie Ann Ivanov’s, eldest son had announced that he wouldn’t make it home from his duty in the Marines for Christmas. Stationed in Iraq, Julie Ann decided that she would send his Christmas care package to him. Then she decided that not only would she send a Christmas stocking to her son, Chris, but also one for each member in his unit- not a small feat since there were fifty members in his unit. By the month of November, word had spread about Julie Ann’s stocking plan, and not only did she have fifty stockings for all of Kris’ unit, but there were an additional 700 stockings all ready for shipment; Operation Stocking Stuffer was born.
Today, Operation Stocking Stuffer has successfully sent Christmas packages in 2004 and 2005. They finished their Easter 2006 care packages, and are currently working on their next project. They have a list of requested items for donation, but if you would like to help, you may find it best to contact Julie Ann or the other Operation Stocking Stuffer team members. They also have a support group for wives of Marines, and you will need to contact them for further information regarding their support group or how you can contribute you can visit their site here: operationstockingstuffer.org
Some of the most requested items needed include: food and snacks, clothing, beverages, toiletry, recreational, communication, personal supplies, foot care, personal care, and holiday items.
Batteries are always in need as well as additional flashlights. Many Marines also require items such as sunscreen and sunblock. Aloe Vera is also a great addition to care packages due to the fact that it not only helps heal sunburn but is soothing to skin irritations as well. Many Marines use baby wipes to stay clean while on the field, so these are always in high demand. It is also best to purchase items in travel size rather than full size, since Marines need to pack these items into their backpacks and take them on the road.
In addition to travel size items, zip lock baggies are also always needed, as they are used to store the items when sending the care packages. You may be surprised to realize how the Marines covet food and snack items. Travel size packages are best and some of the most popular and frequently requested items include Doritos and other brand chips, nuts, granola bars, beef jerky, and lunch kits. There are also many new beverage items that are made for people on the go. These work by adding the contents of the container to water, and are great for use by Marines. For more information, or to learn the best way to help Operation Stocking Stuffer, be sure to contact them.