Support Our Troops

THE TIKI BAR Sebastian, FL.	In August of 2005, my parents, Walter and Jackie Payne, along with the support of the Tiki Bar and several of the citizens of Sebastian Florida, sponsored a week long event to raise money to send packages to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. By the end of the week they had raised over $1,700 and received numerous donations, including canned goods, snacks, books, toiletries and more.
Walter donated several hand painted ceramics. These, along with donated items from others, were offered as prizes as raffle tickets were sold and drawn every half hour. Walter also offered for sale, an array of ceramics and dream catchers. All of the proceeds from these items were donated to the Fund. The Tiki Bar supported the cause by offering a free beer to any person who brought in 3 or more items to be packaged for the soldiers.
	The photo to the left is an example of the many items that were donated to the Soldiers, including a bag of toys for the Iraq children. Toys are one of the items that the soldiers often request. With the donations from the first two days alone, we were able to package nine boxes. You too, can help support our soldiers by going to http://www.anysoldier.com/
	Walter and Jackie Payne

A FEW HELPFUL HINTS

1. The Post Office offers special FLAT Rate boxes for $7.70 shipping. These boxes hold an incredible amount of items, and is often more economical. I weighed one of my boxes at my local Post Office, and if I had not used the special One Rate Box, it would have cost me nearly $16.00 to ship.

2. You will need to get a special customs form from the Post Office. The clerks are familiar with these forms and are happy to help you. You will need to list all of the items that you send. Example: toothpaste, deodorant, tampons etc, can be grouped together and listed as toiletries; Cookies, granola bars, potato chips, and candy, can be listed as snacks; canned soups, canned fruit etc, can be listed as canned goods.

3. It is important that you write the exact address on your package and customs form as it appears on the www.anysoldier.com web page. Check it several times to be sure that you have copied it exactly.

4. Along with the soldiers address, it is important that you write the words "Any Soldier". This will insure that some other needy soldier will receive the package, should anything happen to the soldier that you are supporting.

5. I have found that I can purchase many useful items at a reasonable price, by going to the Dollar Tree, Dollar General etc. Another economical way to shop is to go to a Sam's Club or similar chain, and purchase the boxes of 36 Granola bars, or the individual packages of chips, cookies etc.

6. If you are not financially able to support our soldiers by sending packages, you can offer your support by writing letters. There are many soldiers who receive little mail, and are often happy with an occasion note expressing your support.