Lack of funding may force charity to stop sending care packages to soldiers

[Ian David]

WEYMOUTH, Mass. -- A local non-profit group that sends essentials to troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas has found their funds have run dry, due to of high shipping costs.

Stephen Doyle, president of the CarePacks organization, started the group to provide troops with items from toothbrushes to snacks.

In its three and a half years of existence, Doyle says CarePacks has shipped out approximately 3,500 packages.



While the items in the care packages were discounted or donated, the group spent $45,000 on mailing the packages overseas.

More:
http://www3.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO48889/

[dsc]

1. Why can't the military take the things to the soldiers.

Put them on a shipment of tanks or uniforms.

[Uben]

2. I think they do

We have sent packages through anysoldier.com, and you only pay postage to the east or west coast, where it is loaded onto a military transport. We have paid up to $30 postage just to get the parcel to the coast (around 20lbs of goods), so I can see where charities could be drained pretty fast!

[dsc]

3. damn I guess that would add up

Maybe they should get to use the mail for free.

[jilln]

4. I still don't understand

Soldiers don't get toothbrushes unless someone sends them one?!