Good idea. We answered the call last year and went to thrift stores like the Salvation Army, Deseret Industries, etc. Got kids' shoes for as low as $2 a pair. Got a few stuffed toys for 75c - $1.00. Probably the first decent thing some of these kids ever got.
The only downside was that a 20 pound package to an eastern APO address from Nevada ran $20. Too bad the P.O. doesn't have a "Humanitarian Rate".
As welcome as a "Humanitarian Rate" would be, you can bet someone somewhere would find a way to abuse it..
Hmmm; check with the Post Office again. I read a while ago that they had a flat rate for APOs but that may have been the case only during the holidays. Last fall I got free packaging supplies and they sent them to me at no charge. The number for that (the "Military Pack") was 1-800-610-8734. Maybe there is current information about rates there, too.
"The only downside was that a 20 pound package to an eastern APO address from Nevada ran $20. Too bad the P.O. doesn't have a "Humanitarian Rate". "
Part of me agrees with you, but the other part sees privileged liberals standing only in the Humanitarian line, and then that whole premise goes to.....Oh, well.