If you're in a giving mood...

If you find yourself, as I do, thinking about the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, here's a few ideas for how to show your support. (Hint: it's not a bumper sticker.)

http://anysoldier.com/

Any Soldier is a website that allows you to send a care package to a soldier in harm's way. You can specify a branch of service, a specific unit, even a specific person. Or you can allow the site to match you with someone at random. The site has a good list that tells you what to send, and how to send it.

http://www.treatanysoldier.com/index.htm

Treat Any Soldier is the turn-key solution for Any Soldier. They have created a number of different care packages. All you have to do is point and click, and they do the rest.

http://www.operation-helmet.org/

Many soldiers are at elevated risk of head injuries because they have been supplied with helmets that offer inadequate shock protection. And because they are also uncomfortable, soldiers take them off. Operation Helmet provides helmet upgrade kits free of charge to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For wounded troops coming home, there is the Wounded Warrior Project. They have a program which provides wounded soldiers being transported back to the States with a backpack full of comfort items such as toiletries.

If none of these ideas grab you, there is a longer list of groups active in supporting deployed soldiers and their families at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America.

Peace.