Donation Instructions

Donors from across the country contribute to our beautifully made care packages consisting of a variety of high quality personal care products, women's books and magazines, stationery, notes of encouragement, and more. Thank you for your contribution.

Please see our list below and make sure that all products donated meet our requirements.

DONATION Requirements:

We want the best for our ladies. We also have to follow the USPS, international, and military rules regarding shipments. Therefore, we only accept items that meet the following criteria:

NEW, unused, never opened, and in good, clean condition
In original packaging/container
Good for at least one (1) year from the time we receive it. Expiration date is past one year.
Not hazardous or flammable – no aerosols, perfumes, nail polish, hand sanitizer or alcohol
Not hotel-labelled products
Liquid items should be placed in Ziploc-type bags
Food does not melt. Must be commercially wrapped, not homemade.
No glass items.
Women’s and leisure magazines must be issued within the last 6 months.
Women’s oriented books must not be gory or disturbing in nature. No murder mysteries, psychological thrillers.
No religious materials. (Some countries we ship to have religious restrictions.)

PRIORITY NEEDS (AS OF 02/2025)

Rolls of Packing Tape: Buy off Amazon
shampoo
conditioner
body wash
face wash
feminine hygiene pads
plastic applicator tampons
Sunscreen (expiration 2026 or later)
chapstick/lip balm
nail care products (nail clippers, files)
deodorant (expiration 2026 or later)
loofahs
razors
leave-in conditioner
hair ties/Bobby pins
SMALL packs of cotton swabs
dental floss (individually wrapped)
SMALL packs of tissues
books (not horror, gory, psychological thrillers, murder stories)
stationery (e.g. greeting cards, notebooks)
"Fun stuff": small fragrant candles (no glass), women’s socks, 2″ massage balls (not electric)
Notes of thanks and words of encouragement (see below for guidelines)
Children’s artwork

To save on shipping costs, you may also purchase from our Amazon Wishlist (see below) or your favorite online retailer!

aerosols
expired
hotel-labelled items
alcohols
perfumes
flammables

Order from our Amazon Wishlist or Walmart Wishlist

SAVE ON SHIPPING COSTS

Make sure to deliver to:

OCIB

9921 Carmel Mountain Rd.

San Diego, CA 92129

“Thank you for your Service” Notes

Write several “Thank you for your Service” notes/letters to service members. Artwork is a great option for kids! Include your name, mailing address or email address. This is a great way to get a response from a service member.

Do not seal the envelope as all notes will be inspected for appropriateness. Please do not write dated material, such as for holidays, as they may not be received in time.

Please help us by asking those participating to donate to OCIB as well to support postage costs. Each care package costs us $25 to ship.

Shipping to ocib

Ship your donations to us for inclusion in our care packages.

1. Packaging: Pack bottles upright to avoid crushing and leakage. Packing items in very large boxes is likely to result in leakage and damage to contents. Please wrap all liquid products separately from dry items in freezer ziploc bags. Do not overfill box to avoid leakage. The box used should be taped on all open seams.

2. Packing Slip: In each box you are donating, include a sheet of paper with your name, mailing address, and email address. We will add your email address to our newsletter so you know where and how your donations are making a difference. We may also mention your organization/business’ name regarding your donation. (If you would not like to be added to our newsletter mailing list or mentioned, please clearly state this in your note.)

3. Shipping: We encourage you to compare pricing from USPS, UPS and FEDEX. If you are shipping through USPS, note that when you purchase postage online, there is a discount.

Ship to: OCIB 9921 Carmel Mountain Rd. San Diego, CA 92129

You may also drop it off at the same address during the UPS Store's business hours.

4. Donation Notification and Receipt Requests: Let us know when you will be making your donation and if needed, make a receipt request.