My good friend, Rae, just called and suggested having a Fourth of July cookout that supports our troops in Iraq. How? I asked, feeling somewhat guilty that we can drink margaritas and play lawn games with our families on Independence Day, while our troops in Iraq are risking life and limb. Always upbeat, Rae chirped, By having everyone bring a gift that well collect and send to the troops. You know useful things like CDs, books, underwear

Underwear? Well, they were called unmentionables for a reason; we seem to forget to mention that we need them. It makes sense, especially since undies are made to be fun now just look at Joe Cool Boxers or the Victorias Secret catalogue. Okay, were in, I responded.

Well, unless you have a close family member in a war zone like my friend, Rae, sending gifts can be a problem due to security concerns and anthrax scares.

So, the best way for the rest of us to let the troops know we care about them, is to send a donation of $25.00 to sponsor a care package through the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO.) USO care packages will include pre-paid phone cards, sunscreen, toiletries, disposable camera and a message from the donor thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

It still makes for an easy party idea: Each family brings a $25.00 check made out to USO and fills out a USO form stating their personal message to the troops. The collective package of checks and forms is then sent to:

Operation USO Care Package
Post Office Box 8069
Topeka, KS 66608

Questions? Call: 571-262-1485 or email questions@USOCarePackage.org. To discuss fund raising opportunities, please contact Lisa Frederick at lisa.frederick@fmmc.army.mil.

Susan Fitter, M.A., AICI cares about manners because people with manners care. Catch her at: www.MannersHelp.com.