Gifts for Soldiers: To Give Is Better Than to Receive

For seven years, Livingston resident Susan Larney has been sending box loads of personal items and letters to people she doesn’t even know. This dedication is focused on the soldiers serving overseas as she supports her favorite charity, AnySoldier.com. 

This year for her birthday, Larney rented out the Florham Park Roller Rink for an evening of skating and celebration, asking that in lieu of gifts, the attending families bring items that she will send to the troops. The charity provides support for military personnel stationed abroad through letters of support and items they miss from home. 

As people poured in to the roller rink, the tables filled with items to be sent to deserving men and women. A poster topped the table displaying heartfelt letters of thanks from some of the military personnel whose lives were touched by Sue’s generosity.   

One letter from 1st Lieutenant Mark Wise read: ...  “thank you for your concern and support. Any and all help from back home through these packages is greatly appreciated. Most of Afghanistan and its people live in what would be like the middle-ages for the rest of the world.  There is no electricity, no running water, dirt/mud huts, and scarce amounts of food. Any hygiene items, entertainment (like the movies you sent), or snacks can always keep the guys smiling. The package you sent has exactly the right stereotype/idea of the people you’re supporting. Thanks again for the magazines, puzzle books, hygiene items and snacks. Again thank you for your support.  I have been amazed by the amounts of care from people back in the U.S. without them knowing any of the Soldiers they send support to.” 

Lcpl Nolan Raapana, USMC, wrote: ... “thank you for the care package. A lot of the guys here have enjoyed the snacks, as they help post go by quicker. The peanuts and Starbusrt flavored jelly beans were probably the biggest winners. The Frisbee is pretty cool, too. We’ve been working on organizing a weekly Ultimate Frisbee game now, but the biggest issue is time.” 

The following items were on the requested list:

Lip balm

Playing cards

Magazines

Puzzle books

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Card games

Paperback novels

Drawing pads

Stationery

Pens

Pencils

Cookies

Energy/nutrition bars

Hand Sanitizer

Letters from home                                                       

Granola bars                                                                

Salted peanuts                                                             

Sunflower seeds                                                          

Hard Candy                                                                

Beef jerky                                                                   

Gum                                                                            

Mints                                                                           

Gummy Bears

Jelly beans

For more information on this charity visit ANYSOLDIER.COM