Here’s how to send items to servicemen, women in Iraq

For many servicemen and women fighting the war in Iraq, the holidays can be especially difficult. While countless soldiers receive letters, packages and gifts to ease loneliness during their time away from home, many servicemen and women receive none.

A new Internet Website, www.AnySoldier.us, gives U.S. citizens a chance to bring a little holiday cheer to the servicemen and women abroad.

Sgt. Brian Horn, a resident of LaPlata, Md., is an Army infantry soldier with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in the Kirkuk area of Iraq. He’s agreed to distribute mail, gifts and other packages that come to him addressed as "Attn: Any Soldier." The program has become so popular that Horn has enlisted the help of other soldiers to distribute the gifts abroad. Living conditions for U.S. personnel serving in Iraq are difficult. They sleep sporadically, mostly on the ground.

When they’re housed in an actual building, there often is no electricity and generally no cots.

Soldiers are only fed a hot MRE (meal ready to eat) one time per day. As a result, hot instant breakfasts make excellent gifts. Other types of food are needed as well, including breakfast drinks, canned soups, tuna, ravioli, fruit, nuts, beef jerky and other items. Personal hygiene items also are appreciated, as are gifts such as mini-Christmas trees, magazines and sports equipment.

The Website provides a host of other ideas that servicemen and women might appreciate during the holiday season. But there are strict requirements on how the packages must be addressed, including special instructions for female soldiers. Mailing instructions are available on the Website. Because it takes about 10 to 14 days for packages to arrive in Iraq. Packages sent today probably won’t get there in time for the holidays.

But the needs of soldiers are ongoing and donations will continue to be accepted on the Website at www.AnySoldier.us.