Deployed service members know the value of a good care package. It’s some love from home and some luxuries they would not otherwise have. It’s easy to understand why these packages mean so much to the people who receive them. Don’t forget that the people at home benefit from sending the care package, too. Sending a care package to your deployed family member can be a pick me up for anyone. The act of planning, shopping, packing, and sending a care package can help with:
Feeling close. When you put together the package, knowing your loved one is at the other end allows you to feel a certain closeness. Just envisioning the smile on the recipient’s face when he or she opens the package can make you smile yourself.
Taking action. Deployments involve a lot of waiting. There is no shortage of online ideas for how to help children and other family members pass the time. Putting together a special care package makes everyone feel that they are taking action and gives them some control.
Involving family. It can be a fun family activity. The stateside parent can involve the whole family in deciding what will go in the deployed parent’s care package. Each family member can have responsibility for certain items and packing it up and taking it to the post office can be a fun family activity.
Have you involved your family in sending off a care package? Have any special ritual to make it more fun? Tell us about it!
