Drexel Continues Annual Military Care Package Drive in 2020

Drexel Continues Annual Military Care Package Drive in 2020

Though the circumstances and ways in which Drexel University is holding its annual military care package drive have greatly changed with the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission driving the tradition is the same. Show your support for both active duty and retired veterans in the community by making or supplying items for a care package to send overseas to active duty military members (and dogs!) or by dropping off items and donations to veterans here in Philadelphia.

Below is more information to completing these donations. Contact rebecca@drexel.edu with any questions you may have.

OPTION 1: Adopt a box for active duty military (and dogs!)

Sponsor: Drexel Public Safety and USO

Drop off: Dec. 5 between 2–4 p.m. or by appointment with Jane Kelly

Location: Department of Public Safety, Drexel University, 3201 Arch St., Suite 350, Philadelphia, PA 19104

  • Choice #1: Pick up Box at P.O and drop off at Public Safety
    • Pick up a box from your local post office (Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Boxes)
    • USPS Priority APO/FPO medium size – 11”(L) x 8-1/2”(W) x 5-1/2”(H)
    • Fill the box with suggested items (LIST BELOW)
    • Add a personal touch with handmade cards and notes
    • Drop off on Dec. 5 (2–4 p.m.) or contact Jane Kelly for appointment by emailing jbk53@drexel.edu
  • Choice #2: Drop off Items at Public Safety
    • Items can be purchased ahead of time and brought to campus for packing (boxes will be available upon drop-off) on Dec. 5 (2–4 p.m.) or contact Jane Kelly for appointment by emailing jbk53@drexel.edu

  • Choice #3: Pick up Box at Public Safety, Fill (unsealed) and Drop off at Public Safety
    • Boxes are available for pick up at Public Safety by appointment with Jane Kelly   
    • Return these boxes (UNSEALED) on Dec. 5 (2–4 p.m.) or by appointment with Jane Kelly by emailing jbk53@drexel.edu

  • Choice #4: Request active duty family members or friends to receive a Care Package

    Suggested Supply List to Pack Your Box for Active Duty Military and Military Dogs:

    *Travel size items suggested

    • Flavor packets for water
    • Hot sauce 
    • Beef jerky
    • Sunflower seeds 
    • Coffee
    • Hot chocolate
    • Tea
    • Protein bars
    • Granola bars
    • Peanut butter
    • Candy
    • Nuts
    • Snack cakes
    • Cookies
    • Chewing gum
    • Packaged tuna
    • Cups of noodles/ramen
    • Headphones
    • Travel size board games
    • Playing cards 
    • Stationery and pens
    • Books
    • Socks
    • Deodorant
    • Razors
    • Travel baby wipes
    • Soap bars
    • Sunscreen
    • Lip balm
    • Q-tips
    • Shower shoes/flip flops
    • Day to day calendar (silly/inspirational)
    • Water bottles
    • Travel coffee mugs
    • Fun holiday items

    Tips on Sending a Care Package to a Military Dog

    • K9 grooming tools
    • K9 beds or sleeping mats
    • K9 Advantix, Flea and Tic Treatment
    • K9 toys (recommended Kong 3” rubber balls and rope chews)
    • K9 Ear Wash
    • Doogles (goggles for dogs!)
    • K9 Toothpaste & Toothbrush
    • Towels to wipe paws
    • K9 treats (MUST be made in the USA)
    • K9 Shampoo & Conditioner
    • Collapsible nylon water bowls
    • M+More listed here

    OPTION 2: Help Philadelphia Region Veterans in Need of Food and Essentials

    Sponsor: The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veteran Affairs Medical Center (CMCVAMC)

    There are a number of ways to give back to veteransVeterans who are facing food insecurity can speak to a VA provider. During COVID, the Food Pantry is supporting close to 700 veterans and distributed close to 1,000 bags. 

    Schedule a Drop off: (215) 823-5868 or vhaphivisn4voluntary@va.gov

    You will not be permitted in, so you need to schedule: Monday,Wednesday, Thursdays 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m for drop offs. With the holiday season, schedule in advance — at least 2 to 3 days out. 

    Food Pantry and Essentials Needed

    Please check expiration dates on your donations and conditions of cans, boxes, etc. before delivery. 

    Peanut Butter

    Instant Mac and Cheese

    Instant Rice Cups

    Jelly

    Cheese crackers

    Peanut Butter Crackers

    Canned Tuna

    Canned chicken

    Butter crackers

    Canned pasta

    Oatmeal

    Vienna sausages

    Cereal

    Applesauce

    Canned fruit/fruit cups

    Fruit roll ups

    Animal crackers

    Single serve packets of cookies

    Granola bars

    Instant coffee

    Tea

    Canned vegetables

    Canned soup

    Canned chili

    Instant potatoes

    Protein Bars

    Mayonnaise

    Individual chips/pretzels

    Low salt spam





     

     

    Gift cards


    To support Veteran needs with greater flexibility (Walmart, Target, UBER, Amazon, Wawa, Acme, Giant, Superfresh, Shoprite, Dollar Store, Dollar General


    Refreshment Cart

    Supports family and friends of loved ones in the hospital who are undergoing a procedure. Items include: K-cups (including decaf, hot chocolate, tea), individual bags of chips, pretzels, cookies, granola bars, Styrofoam cups with lids, water, soda cans, iced tea

    Razors

    For men and women

    New clothing

    Supports Veterans in need (Emergency Department, Urology, etc.); new clothing only (sweatpants, sweatshirts, sweatshorts, tshirts, underwear)

    Canteen books

    Given to support patients ($1.00 coupon books purchase available at Retail Store)

    Pill boxes

    Supports Veterans in Geriatrics Clinic (large print please)

    Shoes

    Sneakers, flipflops (all sizes)

    Comfort Cart

    Items used to support inpatients; contact Voluntary Service for list

    Activity books

    Large print puzzle books (Sudoko, Word Search), adult coloring books with col-ored pencils, supports Veterans inpatient and outpatient

     

    Items not accepted

    Medical equipment or supplies, VHS tapes, homemade food of any kind, hotel toiletries, magazines older than 3 months, mouthwash with alcohol, candy, ciga-rettes, matches./lighters

    Amazon Wish List

    You can also check out the Amazon Wish List for additional needs to support veterans. 

    Gift Cards

    Voluntary Service accepts gift cards to Walmart, Target, ACME, Shop-Rite, Giant, Aldi, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree (to name a few) to support veterans who may need to supplement with perishable or household items. 

    Donations

    Although CMCVAMC is not a 501 (c)3 organization, all donations are tax deductible. 100% of donations go directly to and support veterans. Click here for more information on opportunities to volunteer and donate to CMCVAMC.