Straight from Fort Bragg, the Army shares how concerned Americans can send care packages and letters of support to deploying soldiers.

On Facebook, a base spokesperson says that a few years ago, the Department of Defense made the decision to stop using military assets to ship letters and care packages to deployed soldiers. In keeping with this guidance, Fort Bragg says it cannot receive care packages or letters to forward on to deployed forces.

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However, there are organizations that can help. The base recommends two: the USO of North Carolinaand NC Packs 4 Patriots.

The USO of NC accepts donations that can be given to service members as they leave for a deployment. Needed, useful donations include:

  • hygiene items (deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, baby wipes)
    • energy drinks
      • snacks

        The USO does not send letters and care packages to service members overseas. For information about how to donate to a deploying soldier using the USO of NC, contact Patricia Cannon at 910-495-1438 or pcannon@uso-nc.org.

        NCPacks4Patriots is a volunteer nonprofit organization based in the Eastern NC town of Ayden. It has supported deployed troops with care packages since 2005.

        Their packages contain hygiene items, snacks and letters from grateful Americans. Items needed for care packages include: basic hygiene items, snacks, recreation items, military t-shirts, boot socks, batteries and first aid supplies.

        During this past holiday season. they sent more than 900 packages to deployed forces.

        Holiday gifts for deployed soldiers
        (Fort Bragg)

        All items and postage for their operations come from donations.

        The point of contact for NCPacks4Patriots is Barbara Whitehead: reach her at 252-714-1175 or via email at ncp4p@yahoo.com.

        Military Missions in Action, based in Fuquay-Varina, sends care packages to troops and sends supplies to USO and NCPacks4Patriots for packages. Military Missions in Action sends 8,500 care packages a year and helps veterans furnish their homes.

        People can also help soldiers by volunteering to care for their dogs while they are serving. Dogs on Deployment is a non-profit which provides an online network for service members to search for volunteers who are willing to board their pets during their owner's service commitments.

        If you are interested in caring for a soldier's pet, click here to learn more.