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I know this is kind of last minute since the mailing deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 8, but I just found out about this after reading about it on Missy Ann’s blog. The project is called Iraqi Bundles of Love. It’s being organized by Maj. Art La Flamme who is in the Army and is currently deployed to Iraq.
He has asked anyone who wants to participate to mail him a bundle of quilting and/or knitting supplies in the $11.95 APO/FPO flat-rate priority mail box available at the Post Office. Since it’s going to an APO mailing address, international postal rates don’t apply. You will still need to fill out a Customs form 2976-A (a.k.a. the long form), but you can do that online and then just print it out to take with you to the Post Office. As Art receives the packages, the bundles will be distributed to local Iraqi women as well as local sewing co-ops and other small businesses who have received grants or loans (typically to purchase sewing machines, rent space, etc)..
Here are some quick links to the basic information:
About IBOL
What to send
How to build your bundle
Photos of the project
If you want to participate and send a box, just leave a comment anywhere on the IBOL blog. He will then email you the mailing address.
I’ve decided to put a bundle together with a bunch of my old knitting stash as well as a bit of fabric. I actually rarely knit since moving to California, so it would be nice to see some of my yarn stash being put to good use. I figure if and when the time comes that I want to knit something, I can go out and buy some more yarn to replace the stuff I’m going to send in the bundle. 
As for the purpose behind organizing this, he said he knows from experience that most quilters and knitters have far more stash than they will ever be able to use and thought this would be a good way to help get supplies into the hands of Iraqi locals who desperately need them. How does he know this? He’s the son of quilter, who is married to a quilter, and is helping his wife raise their own little quilter. :-) I saw on his wife’s website that she has actually taught quilting classes at the various military bases where he has been stationed over the years, which I think it pretty cool. 
Anyway, if you know of other quilters and/or knitters who might be interested, feel free to pass the word. The only requirement is that the bundles MUST be in the mail by no later than Sept. 8.
Until next time …
Wow, I wish that I had seen your post earlier. It would take me days to finish sorting out things to send by Monday. But I’m going to keep watching the site and hopefully he’ll be looking for more packages in the future. I know that I could definitely help out with this!
I’m so happy you’re sending a box Mel!
It was surprising how quick I filled 3 boxes. The hardest part for me was finding the flat rate boxes (my local PO had them on order for the longest time).
I also sent along a bunch of threads that I’ve had for 5+ years. Yes they need fabric and yarn and other basics, but pretty thread to embellish is also a must IMO.
Twitter: TheDailyMel
I stopped by the Post Office this morning to pick up boxes. I picked up three because after going through my yarn this morning, I have a feeling I’ll be able to fill up more than one pretty quickly as well.
My local PO didn’t have any of the APO/FPO-specific flat rates boxes, but they did have the regular flat-rate boxes that are the same size. I spoke with one of the postal employees who told me those could also be used to send to APO/FPO addresses. So, if you can’t find the APO/FPO-specific ones, just use the regular one.