Growing up as fans we were often told to contribute to our local communities by giving of our time. As adults we've learned that in some situations time isn't the only thing others could use but perhaps donations of items or money. In the past Menudo Online and it's predecessor, Los Chicos de Menudo Fan Club have contributed to the American Red Cross and Children's Hospital of Orange County. By working together, Menudo2Mdo.com and MenudoOnline.com hope to accomplish more than if we did projects alone.

The time has come again that we ask you for your assistance. Many of us know of someone who is currently serving in the military overseas. They are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. There are so many men and women out there right now and unfortunately, not all of them receive the same amount of letters or care packages. That's where you come in.

We've already begun as our very own friend and staff member Yoli Gonzalez is currently in Iraq. She's been receiving care packages since February and has been the first to ask us to help out. In May we shipped a surprise package to Khobi Villegas, a fellow member of Yoli's unit. Boy, was he surprised...

"Villegas received the package. I said (to him) I sent the club a list of people who haven't gotten care packages and this is from them. So then he saw the picture of Ricky Martin on the (Wheat Thins) box and started laughing and everyone in the office was like, "Awww, that's so sweet". He LOVED everything you sent him... he was like man they sent me all sorts of good stuff so he was happy."

Staff member Patricia has a friend who is also serving in Iraq. We've voluntarily sent Ryan Blankenship a care package in May as well.

"I got the package today. She sent me some pretty cool stuff. She has good taste. She sent me a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Rubber Ball, even a Simpsons comic book (Simpsons is my favorite show)."

Special thanks to:

Newman's Own for donating Pink Lemonade drink boxes

Remember to include a letter about yourself we can include in the care packages. Send your gift donation to:

Lisa Berton
P.O. Box 133
Canton, MA 02021

Everyone who makes a donation of goods or money will be entered into a contest to win a 12" single by Ricky Martin.

HOW CAN I HELP?

There are several ways you can help Operation Menudo Fans & Friends Overseas. The first is to let us know about someone who could use a care package. . Please be aware that ONLY the name and military division will be made public on the site IF you want us to share that info. You may also include a photo for us to post as well. To add someone to our list please e-mail us with his/her name and address as if you were mailing them a letter (ex: SSG Jones, Joseph 10th Civil Affairs Batallion, APO AE 99999)
Include whether this is a man or woman, age and a short list of things they like (ex: country music, Oreos and Looney Toons). Also let us know if he/she is a Menudo fan.

If you don't know anyone who is serving and would like to help, here's how. You can contribute a monetary donation or gift donation. Money gathered will be used to pay for shipping and also to purchase items. We've also created a list of gift ideas that are greatly appreciated.

If you'd like to send a monetary donation, we have set up an account with Paypal. They accept credit cards or you can have a withdrawl made from your bank account. Please be aware that we are not setup as an official charity.

Gift Ideas

Health & Beauty

• Travel size shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste
• Moisturizer - unscented
• Emery boards
• Lip balm
• Baby wipes
• Bar soap, liquid soap
• Foot lotion
• Q-tips
• Hand sanitizer
• Visine for dry eyes
• Sunblock

Food & Drink (pork products are prohibited in Iraq)

• Crackers, cookies, pretzels
• Chips in a plastic container
• Candy (NO chocolate)
• Powdered drinks
• Tea bags
• Snacks (Kudos, Fruit Roll-ups, Granola bars, etc)
• Easy Mac & Cheese

Fun & Games

• Colored pencils, crayons
• Coloring or activity books
• Handheld games
• Magazines, books (NO porn)
• Travel games
• Small rubber balls, hackey sacks
• CDs
• Small stuffed animals
• Frisbees

Other

• 100% cotton white ankle socks
• Stationary, envelopes, pens
• Disposable cameras