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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Send names and addresses to Jane Kelly by emailing jbk53@drexel.edu
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 veterans. Veterans 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 | ||
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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) | |
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Shoes |
Sneakers, flipflops (all sizes) | |
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Comfort Cart |
Items used to support inpatients; contact Voluntary Service for list | |
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Activity books |
Large print puzzle books (Sudoko, Word Search), adult coloring books with col-ored pencils, supports Veterans inpatient and outpatient |
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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.