by Alexa Steele

Created on: March 31, 2009   Last Updated: September 22, 2011

Support our Troops! That phrase is inscribed on bumper stickers, posted in yards and has headlined news reports. But how can mindful Americans make their backing of our military more than mere rhetoric? What is the best way to let a soldier know you are praying for their safe return? Or to send a gift to a loved one serving abroad? The website TreatsforTroops.com makes this not only possible but effortless.

History

Founded in 2003 by business woman, Deborah Crane, Treats for Troops allows friends, family, organizations and individuals to sponsor American soldiers at home and abroad. The idea for Treats for Troops started when Ms. Crane learned that the "Any Service Member" programs, which had previously made it possible to send mail and care packages to service members, had been cancelled for security reasons after the anthrax scare in 2001.

How It Works

Treats for Troops provides an online gift shop filled with products in demand by men and women serving in our military. Packages can be sent to someone you know simply entering their address into the space provided. Alternately, you can shop for registered service members using the Foster-A-Soldier feature.

Once the package recipient has been designated, shopping for your soldier is as easy as using any of the large retail websites. Choose either a pre-designed gift basket or create your own from the wide selection of goodies available in the gift shop. Choices include cookies, snacks, personal care items, phone cards, useful gadgets and travel-sized games. Just load up your shopping cart and check out. The site even allows you to craft a personalized note to include with your gift.

Foster-A-Soldier

The Foster-A-Soldier program makes it possible for everyone to contribute even if you do not personally know anyone in military service. Soldiers are registered for free by family, friends, unit chaplains or even themselves via the website. Once registered soldiers are eligible to receive gifts from anonymous sponsors. Individuals can select a soldier to sponsor based on military branch, home state, area of deployment or gender. If no such criteria are designated then the system will automatically select the soldier who has been waiting the longest for a package.

Other Programs

Treats for Troops has customizable programs to fit every level of support. Beyond the Foster-A-Soldier program there are Corporate Sponsorships, Group Gifts, Unit Support programs, and a Monthly Smiles program that allows you to send a package on a monthly basis. Birthdays and holidays are also celebrated with appropriately tailored selections.

It's Truly Appreciated

Whether you believe the War On Terror is patriotic or misguided, the brave men and women who put their lives on the line deserve both respect and admiration. All doubt about the benefit of sending a care package is removed once you read some of the thank you notes written by soldiers for their sponsors. If you, too, would like to support our troops with more than a just catch phrase, stop by and send your package today.

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