BEDFORD – The Hoosier Hills Armed Forces Families Association (HHAFFA) is organizing a special holiday initiative to send Christmas care packages to U.S. service members stationed overseas. The community is invited to donate items for the care packages and bring holiday cheer to military personnel.
Care packages will be packed and mailed on November 23. Donation boxes have been set up at several locations in Bedford, where you can drop off items to help support the effort. The drop-off locations are:
- Crane Credit Union: 1201 James Ave
- Thomas Insurance: 1701 16th Street
- Inkling’s Bookstore: 1020 16th Street
Items needed for the care packages include a variety of snacks, hygiene products, and entertainment items. Below is a list of some of the most requested items:
Food and Snacks:
- Candy (Twizzlers, Jelly Belly, candy bars)
- Protein bars, granola bars, cereal bars, and pop tarts
- Dried meats (beef jerky, etc.)
- Gum
- Nuts, sunflower seeds
- Dried fruit
- Jelly (not in glass jars)
- Peanut butter (not in glass jars)
- Crackers, cookies (in small boxes)
- Instant oatmeal
- Condiment packets (honey, hot sauce, creamer, sugar, ketchup, mayonnaise)
- Coffee (instant)
- Hot chocolate
- Tea
- Drink mix packets (iced tea, lemonade, etc. – especially ones for water bottles)
- Tuna (in packets)
- Chips (small canisters only, as bags will burst in transit)
Personal Care Items:
- Skin lotion with SPF
- Lip protection (e.g., Chapstick)
- Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss
- Sunscreen (small bottles)
- Over-the-counter medications (anti-diarrheal, antibiotic cream, antacids, ibuprofen, cold/cough drops, etc.)
Entertainment & Spiritual Support:
- Books, magazines (NO pornography)
- Stationery, notebooks, pens
- Spiritual books and pamphlets (for soldiers seeking Christian guidance)
- Small games, playing cards, small puzzles, crossword puzzle books
Additional Items:
- Socks (Army green and black)
- Cards and letters for soldiers
- Monetary donations (to help with postage costs)
Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated, as postage can be expensive. Checks or money orders can be made out to HHAFFA. For more information or to donate, you can contact the association at 812-583-4736 (please leave a message if you reach voicemail). You can also mail donations or items to:
HHAFFA
P.O. Box 92
Bedford, IN 47421
If you have a specific military address, please send it via private message or mail to the address above.
The donation deadline is November 23, when the care packages will be packed and mailed. Let’s work together to show appreciation for the men and women in uniform this holiday season.
