Food and Care Package Drive

Organized by The Village Chapel & SVE Veterans Club

Help support our troops serving in the Middle East by donating non-perishable food and supplies.

We are also accepting donated funds to help cover
shipping expenses.

Troops in the Middle East can receive most practical, non‑perishable, non‑hazardous comfort items. Below is a clear, up‑to‑date list of what is acceptable, based on current military care‑package guidance.

Non‑Perishable Food & Snacks

• Beef jerky, protein bars

• Nuts, trail mix, dried fruit

• Crackers, pretzels, popcorn

• Non‑melting candy (gummies, Twizzlers, Skittles)

• Tuna/chicken salad kits

• Single‑serve drink mixes (Gatorade, lemonade, iced tea)

  
  

Hygiene & Personal Care

• Toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss

• Razors, shaving cream

• Shampoo, body wash, lotion

• Lip balm

• Sunscreen

• Hand sanitizer

• Wet wipes

• Feminine hygiene products

  
  

Comfort & Clothing

• Socks (black or tan)

• Undergarments

• Shower shoes/flip‑flops

• Sunglasses

  
  

Small Entertainment Items

• Playing cards

• Puzzle books, crosswords

• Small stress balls

• Paperbacks or journals

  
  

Medical & Practical Items

• Pain relievers (Tylenol, ibuprofen)

• Band‑aids

• Tissues

• Contact lens solution
  

Please do not donate: Chocolate or items that melt, alcohol, aerosols, weapons, perishables, or pressurized cans.— We cannot send anything that melts, explodes, spoils, or violates customs rules.

When sending donations of food and supplies to U.S. troops, yes, there are strict restrictions enforced by both the Department of Defense and regional customs laws.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

• Pork Products: Strictly prohibited in many Middle Eastern regions due to local customs and host-nation laws.

• Alcohol and Drugs: All alcoholic beverages, intoxicants, and illegal or controlled substances are completely banned

• Aerosol Cans: Pressurized items (like aerosol deodorant, hairspray, or spray sunscreen) are banned because they can explode or leak under extreme heat and pressure changes during transit.

• Perishable Foods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, or foods requiring refrigeration must not be sent as they will spoil.

• Chocolate and Meltable Sweets: Avoid chocolate; temperatures inside shipping containers and deployment zones frequently exceed 120°F, turning chocolate into liquid.

• Weapons and Dangerous Goods: Firearms, knives (other than standard small pocket knives), ammunition, and explosives are strictly prohibited.

• Pornography and Offensive Material: Adult content, explicit language, or inappropriate imagery on clothing/items are banned.

• Vapes and E-Cigarettes: Often restricted or prohibited due to hazardous lithium battery regulations and local base policies.

Your gift makes a real difference for our troops. Thank you for standing with us as we stand with them.

Your support reflects the best of our community.

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