Got enough books to open a small library?
Finding you could probably do without a few?
Looking for a good home for some of your excess books?
The military is actually looking for a few good books.
Find out more about this program at the Books for Soldiers website.
As eager as you may be to pass along some great reads,
there are some guidelines (posted on their site as well) to keep in mind:
- Try to keep your package the size of a shoe box or similar. When we send out a box, we use FLAT RATE BOXES that the US Postal Service offers. It is a very good deal – you can cram as much as you can in the box and shipping is a flat $8.10. Also, the boxes are FREE from the US Post Office.
- Large packages over 25 pounds probably will not get through or be greatly delayed.
- Include a note to the recipient. Tell them about your support of them and your hopes of a safe return. If you are sending to the unit in general, explain that these books are a gift to the whole unit and to give them to someone else once they are finished.
- It is also good to send a small care package of useful items along with your book. Click here for a recommended list.
- Include your return address. Packages with no valid return address will be considered a suspicious package and likely to be destroyed according to the Defense Department.
- Any book is better than nothing, but if you have the choice, please send the paperback version because it is smaller, lighter, and easier to carry.
Obviously, they want mostly books geared toward adults, not children, but since most homeschoolers are bookaholics all around, you probably have your share of those to spare as well. There is a bit of a process to go through to actually send your books, but if you want to encourage a soldier this holiday season, a little effort on your part could go a long way.
