Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we are open to receiving all types of candy, whenever it’s convenient for you. Each care package we send out includes a bag of candy as a sweet reminder of home.

Ready to donate your extra holiday candy? Just send it over to us at:

Operation Shoebox
8360 East Highway 25
Belleview, FL 34420

Please include this form in your package to receive a thank you and/or donation receipt. Packages shipped from a UPS/Fedex store will have the return address of the store’s, not yours, preventing us from sending acknowledgements directly to you.

Please note:

We are deeply grateful for your generosity and support in donating candy for our troops. As we welcome your candy donations, please be aware that we are unable to cover shipping costs or offer pickup services. We kindly ask donors to consider shipping expenses when collecting large donations. Your understanding and cooperation immensely support our mission to bring joy and a sense of home to our troops. Thank you for your continued support and generosity in this endeavor!

Thank you for supporting our troops!

Absolutely, Pre-addressed post cards or notes can be included in your package.

Do not put stamps on these – our troops have the right to send cards and letters without postage from a war zone.

Yes, we have a program called Adopt a Troop.

Signing up allows you to create your own care packages and send them directly to the troops that are currently deployed. Please click here for all of the information on this program and fill out the form.  We will have one of our coordinators contact you.

Package delivery is usually between 1-2 weeks.

Our delivery address is:

Attn: Receiving
8360 East Highway 25
Belleview FL, 34420
Hours:  Tuesday thru Saturday, 10AM – 4PM

We are always accepting items, we send care packages 50 weeks a year. (Everyone needs a vacation!!)

The links are below or look for How You Can Help under the “Volunteer” tab on our top menu.

Christmas stocking pattern

Ditty bag pattern

Knitted or crocheted caps

For additional sewing questions, please use the contact information that is provided at the bottom of the instruction sheet for that pattern.

There are several ways to help.  For example we always include a hand written Thank You note in every care package, we are always in need of those.  Alternatively, younger children can make or color pictures to be included, our troops love receiving them.

Our mailing address is:

Operation Shoebox
8360 East Hwy 25
Belleview, FL 34420

No, due to high postage fees, we are now requesting that people use gallon zip lock bags and place them in a larger cardboard box.

Also you can obtain FLAT RATE BOXES from the Post Office, fill them to capacity (up to 40lbs) and then ship them to us. Any wet items such as shampoo, lotion, etc. must be in separate zip lock bags.

-You can ship your items to us or directly overseas to the troops through the Adopt a Troop program.

-If you are shipping a large quantity of items, we suggest using a large box, like a copy paper box, that way you can fit more items into fewer boxes.

-If you are shipping to us and you know the weight of your box, you can go online to FedEx, USPS and UPS to compare prices on shipping.

-If you would like to send a smaller box, we suggest using Flat Rate Priority boxes which you can get from your local post office.

-We suggest using travel size items, such as toiletries.

-When shipping toiletries, package the liquid items or items that will melt and leak like soaps, shampoos and lotions, separately from the other items in case they break open during shipping. You can put them inside ziploc bags and still ship in the same box.

If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at any time at troops@operationshoebox.com or at 352-307-6723.

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