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.
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What kind of donations do you accept?
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If you have a bulk amount of similar items, we recommend constructing “kits,” in which ziploc bags (or other types of bags or pouches) are each filled with identical items.
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Please see our list below and make sure that all products donated meet our requirements.​
DONATION Requirements:
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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:
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NEW, unused, never opened, and in good, clean condition
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In original packaging/container
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Good for at least one (1) year from the time we receive it. Expiration date is past one year.
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Not hazardous or flammable – no aerosols, perfumes, nail polish, hand sanitizer or alcohol
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Not hotel-labelled products
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Liquid items should be placed in Ziploc-type bags
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Food does not melt. Must be commercially wrapped, not homemade.
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No glass items.
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Women’s and leisure magazines must be issued within the last 6 months.
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Women’s oriented books must not be gory or disturbing in nature. No murder mysteries, psychological thrillers.
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No religious materials. (Some countries we ship to have religious restrictions.)
PRIORITY NEEDS (AS OF 10/2024)
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Rolls of Packing Tape: Buy off Amazon
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shampoo
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conditioner
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body wash
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face wash
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feminine hygiene pads
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Sunscreen (expiration 2024 or later)
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chapstick/lip balm
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nail care products (nail clippers, files)
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deodorant (expiration 2024 or later)
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loofahs
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razors
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leave-in conditioner
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hair ties/Bobby pins
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SMALL packs of cotton swabs
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dental floss (individually wrapped)
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SMALL packs of tissues
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books (not horror, psychological thrillers, murder stories)
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stationery (e.g. greeting cards)
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"Fun stuff": small fragrant candles (no glass), women’s socks, 2″ massage balls (not electric)
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Notes of thanks and words of encouragement (see below for guidelines)
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Children’s artwork
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To save on shipping costs, you may also purchase from our Amazon Wishlist (see below) or your favorite online retailer!
NO
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aerosols
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expired
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hotel-labelled items
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alcohols
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perfumes
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flammables
Order from our Amazon Wishlist to save on shipping costs! Make sure to deliver to:
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OCIB
9921 Carmel Mountain Rd.
San Diego, CA 92129
Shipping to ocib
Ship your donations to us for inclusion in our care packages.
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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. The box used should be taped on all open seams.
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2. Package 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.)
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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.
4. Donation Notification and Receipt Requests: Let us know when you will be making your donation and if needed, make a receipt request.
5. Ship to: OCIB 9921 Carmel Mountain Rd. San Diego, CA 92129
“Thank you for your Service” Notes
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Write several “Thank you for our 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. We do not recommend writing 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.