Why Care Packages?
“I just wanted to thank your organization for supporting us so far away from home and from our families. The care boxes we received were so thoughtful and really brought a smile to our faces!” SPC Green (Afghanistan)
Every day, more than 170,000 U.S. service members are deployed around the world, many without regular support from home. Since 2003, we have delivered “We Care” packages to more than 1 million troops serving across the world. Whether stationed on remote bases, aboard naval ships, or in active conflict zones, every request is met. For the duration of their tours, service members receive monthly “We Care” packages. Through the dedication of our donors and volunteers, FSO ensures that those who sacrifice for our country never feel forgotten.
Proving Our Impact
Care packages do more than deliver essentials, they deliver connection, comfort, and hope. For troops facing isolation, harsh conditions, or their first deployment, a “We Care” package is a powerful reminder that someone back home cares. Filled with snacks, hygiene items, and handwritten letters, each package strengthens morale and supports mental well-being. It’s not just about what’s inside, it’s about showing up for those who serve, month after month, mission after mission.
Our Approach
We connect with family members, friends, chaplains, commanding officers, and service members themselves to identify those most in need. But our mission goes far beyond packing and shipping, through year-round community involvement, volunteer support, and ongoing outreach, we ensure deployed troops continue to receive care, encouragement, and a lasting connection to home.
How It Works
At Forgotten Soldiers Outreach (FSO), we connect care and comfort directly to deployed troops who request monthly “We Care” packages for the duration of their tour. These requests often come from those on their first deployment, stationed in remote areas, or facing especially difficult conditions.
Each month, volunteers’ hand-pack “We Care” packages at our Operation Center in Lake Worth Beach, Florida filling them with essentials like hygiene items, snacks, and heartfelt letters from supporters. These boxes are then shipped worldwide to those serving on the front lines, at sea, or in isolated outposts.
We adapt to changing deployment needs, gather feedback from recipients, and partner with schools, civic groups, and businesses to keep support flowing all year long.
With every box sent, we remind our troops they are seen, supported, and never forgotten.
Impact of a Care Package
Morale & Mental Health
Service members often go months without seeing their families. A single care package can provide an emotional boost, reducing feelings of isolation and strengthening resilience.
Time & Resources
Deployed troops don’t always have access to necessities. Our packages provide toiletries, snacks, and essentials, saving them time and ensuring they have the supplies they need.
Connection & Encouragement
A handwritten letter can make all the difference. A message from a grateful supporter can lift spirits and provide a sense of purpose in the toughest moments.
Supporting First-Time Deployments
First deployments can be some of the most difficult. For many troops, it means leaving home for the first time, navigating unfamiliar environments, and facing emotional and mental strain while trying to stay mission focused.
At Forgotten Soldiers Outreach (FSO), we prioritize reaching these newly deployed service members with our “We Care” packages. These packages provide more than just essentials, they offer reassurance, encouragement, and a tangible reminder that someone back home cares.
Care packages help ease the anxiety of first-time deployments by delivering:
- Emotional support when troops are most vulnerable
- Connection and camaraderie among fellow first-time deployers
- Basic comforts they may not have anticipated needing
No matter where they serve, FSO ensures our first-time deployed troops feel seen, supported, and never forgotten.
We’re Mission-Focused, Not Method-Limited
At Forgotten Soldiers Outreach (FSO), we meet service members where they are, whether in combat zones, on naval ships, or awaiting deployment at military transit hubs. Our mission isn’t limited by location or logistics; we adapt to serve every branch, every assignment, and every need with care, consistency, and compassion.
How We Reach Our Troops
- "We Care" Packages: Monthly deliveries of snacks, toiletries, comfort items, and handwritten letters remind service members they’re not alone.
- Naval Ship Deliveries: Coordinated efforts ensure those deployed at sea receive morale-boosting support.
- Airborne & Remote Deployments: We work directly with unit leadership to reach isolated troops in the most austere environments.
- Troop It Forward Boxes: Extra packages are included for troops to share with others who receive little to no mail.
- Letter-Writing Campaigns: Personal messages from schools and community groups add a heartfelt, human connection to each box.
- Community Partnerships: From donation drives to sponsored packing events, local involvement powers our mission worldwide.
Support for Troops in Transit
Thanks to our growing partnership with the USO, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach (FSO) is now reaching service members before they deploy. Since February 2024, we’ve provided snacks and drinks to more than 4,000 troops awaiting transport at military hubs, covering 95 flights during peak movement periods. With up to 1,100 service members deploying in a single week, our presence ensures their journey begins with care, comfort, and connection.
Each package includes:
- Essentials: Toiletries, baby wipes, batteries, and drink mixes.
- Snacks: Non-perishable food and comfort items.
- Personal Touch: Letters of encouragement, comic books, Girl Scout cookies, and our newsletter.
- Troop It Forward Boxes: Extra packages are included for troops to share with others who receive little to no mail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to send a care package?
Each care package costs approximately $30 to assemble and ship.
How many care packages do you send each month?
The number varies depending on active registrations. Some months we send 100+ individual packages and support entire squads ranging from 10 to 500 service members.
How long do you send care packages?
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What do you put in a care package?
Each package includes:
- Troops in Remote or High-Risk Deployments – Many serve in locations where access to supplies is limited.
- First-Time Deployments – Young service members facing their first extended time away from home.
- Those Without Family Support – Some troops receive no mail at all during deployment. Our Troop It Forward program ensures they, too, feel remembered.
- Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Soldiers, Coast Guardsmen, and Guardians – We support all branches, including those stationed on naval ships, at remote bases, and in active combat zones.
What is a Troop It Forward (TIF) Box?
A TIF Box is a 30-day supply of toiletries included in each care package. If a registered recipient notices that a fellow troop doesn’t receive mail, they can pass along the TIF Box. Over one-third of our registered troops have come from the Troop It Forward program!
Where do the care package items come from?
All items are donated by individuals, businesses, and community groups from across the United States.
Do you send packages to the Coast Guard?
While our primary focus is on deployed service members, we are connected with local veteran support organizations and can help direct returning troops to additional resources.
How do we know that FSO is legitimate?
We are 100% transparent with our financials, which are available on our website. We also encourage people to tour our operations center and see our volunteers in action.
How long has Forgotten Soldiers Outreach been in existence?
We started in October 2003 and became an official nonprofit in January 2004.
Are there other chapters of FSO?
No, but we receive support from donors and volunteers across the country.
Does FSO work with schools?
Yes! Schools play a huge role in our mission. Many of our letters of encouragement come from students across the country. Our Educator’s link provides curriculum ideas that incorporate letter-writing, history, geography, and civic engagement.
Do you ever meet your recipients?
Yes! Many local recipients visit our operations center to thank volunteers. We’ve even had service members from across the country travel to Florida to express their gratitude in person.