So, I was talking to my brother at Chistmas

[TayTay]

and he said a buddy of his had been called up to active duty in Iraq in May. This guy had stayed in the Army Reserves and his number had just come up and off he went. (BTW, he is 48 years old.)

My brother was asking us if we would bake cookies. His buddy had asked for 12 dozen cookies and 6 dozen chocolate brownies to give out to the troops working under him. So, this weekend, I am baking like crazy. (With great joy, of course. It's an honor to be asked.)

Question: What do I ship these cookies in and should each one be individually wrapped? I am willing to do so if it keeps them fresher. Anybody shipped backed goods over to Iraq and know if I should get some plastic containers or what? Thanks!

[beachmom]

1. I will contact my friend whose husband was in Iraq and ask what

she did (although I'm not sure how quickly she will get back to me -- when are you sending the goodies?). He's in special forces and was training Iraqis. You might like this story -- he would receive all of these treats from his wife, and not only would he share them with his fellow troops, he also shared them with the Iraqis he was training! And, in return, the Iraqis would bring traditional food from their families to share. Maybe we can get Iraqis to trust us through their stomachs . . . just a little motivation as you bake away.

[Island Blue]

2. Here's a website I found that might help.

http://www.treatthetroops.org

For tips on how best to send cookies, click on "tips". This might help you out some.

What a great thing to do Tay Tay!

[Luftmensch067]

3. Agreed!

Totally awesome thing to do, Tay Tay!!!

[TayTay]

4. I will forward the kudos to my Brother.

He was a Navy guy for 24 years, 6 active and 18 reserve. His friend specifically asked for the baked goods and it will be fun to comply. (Ahm, I do get to eat the rejects, right?)

Actually, we might even have a baking party. I will have a few sisters-in-law over and or I'll go to there house and we can have a bake-a-thon. Now that would be too much fun to get any credit for and we get to know that someone in 'harm's way' will enjoy the final products.

Thanks! This was such a good idea that I think my brothers buddy will get double his order. LOL!

[TayTay]

5. Thank you! This is perfect.

Instructions were given! Thanks!

Put the cookies in baggies in groups of six, then nest the cookies in styrofoam pellets or plastic grocery bags in the box.
I use # 7 boxes which measure 12x12x8". One box containing approximately 5 dozen cookies, hard candy, and assorted toiletries costs about $10.00 to mail.

Excellent!

[Island Blue]

6. You're welcome!

The tips about "no nuts" is one I would never have thought of. (They go rancid in the heat.)

Have fun baking!

[Vektor]

7. You go, TayTay!

What a superwoman you are! This is a wonderful thing you're doing.

[wisteria]

8. I would like to bake and send something also. I don't have anyone

to send the goods to though. I'll have to ask around.
I intend on giving to the USO through the JK site too. The baked goods would be a little extra.

I think it is wonderful you are doing this. Good for you Tay Tay.

[ProSense]

9. I donated to the USO through JK's PAC.

It's not the same as a personal gift, but it's much needed help.

[ProSense]

10. That's a wonderful thing to do, and a lot of baking.

You're going to make a lot of soldiers happy.


:yourock:

[TayTay]

11. Oh, like anyone else here, you'd do it in a heartbeat.

To tell you the truth I was really pissed that this guy with 6+ years in the active service and then 20+ years in the Army Reserve was suddenly called up at the age of 48 and sent to Iraq. That's insane. Baking something is fun and easy and will give me a great deal of pleasure to do.

We got a letter from my Congressman, Mart Meehan, who is having a forum on Iraq in the next town over from me next Thursday. Marty is going to get an earful from me about why we are suddenly sending 48 year old guys who are out-of-shape and who have already put in exceptional service to the nation to Iraq.

Love the troops, hate the war.

BTW, I can share on addresses for this guy and the people under his command. They need all the usual items that are in short supply: deodorant, baby wipes (for quick clean-ups when there are no showers), toothpaste, etc. Just PM me and when I get the address I'll Pm it to you. Everyone gets to share the love that way.

[ProSense]

13. Fantastic! Will do. Thanks TayTay. n/t

[CBHagman]

12. Yes, I think baked goods are just what the doctor ordered.

It'll remind them A) that someone cares about them and B) of pleasant memories of home.

Good for you for doing this.

And yes, rejects are fair game. :-)