need ideas for care package for ill friend

I need your help.  I have a very dear friend whom I've known over 20 years, we met when I was in my late teens and hit it off immediately.  We've stayed in touch over the years and we went our own ways geographically.  He was dx'ed with Type 1 diabetes in his early 20's.  In his 30's he contracted HIV.  Throughout all of this he has kept going strong, taking care of himself, working, and living his life.  He sustained an injury several months ago and is no longer able to do the kind of work he's always done to support himself, mostly bartending.  Right now he is not working at all.  Thankfully ALL of his very expensive meds are covered by government programs.  

Because I haven't seen him in some time and because he hasn't reached out, I had no idea how bad things had gotten, esp financially.  Recently one of his ex-BF's initiated a fundraiser: together we all raised $4000 for him in a couple of weeks.  This will help take some of the immediate pressure off.  

I want to do something on an ongoing basis and was thinking maybe a care package every couple of months.  What kinds of things do you think would be of help?  I was thinking, snack type foods like nuts and wheat crackers, and gourmet stuff that has no sugar; trashy pop-culture mags to pass the time; diabetic skin care stuff; cozy socks; gift cards to the supermarket and pharmacy.  I want to do this on a regular basis and will run out of ideas I'm sure.  Is there anything else you can suggest, esp any of you with diabetes or caring for someone with it?

[HVAC]

Netflix membership. Amazon gift cards, books or music. Crossword Puzzles, Word games. jigsaw puzzles.

Alex

[deborah0904]

Alex made a great suggestion.   Sugar free gums.  If your friend has a computer, maybe a CD of Mah Jong (sp?), boggle, scrabble games.  Things that challenge the brain to work.  You can send a theme box of things.  Chicken Noodle Soup, Soup Mug, Diet Drink in a bottle, Puzzle Book, Sugar Free Gum. ** Another time, maybe do a Movie theme.  Get an inexpensive DVD at Wal-mart.  Can he have popcorn?  If so, stick some microwave popcorn in the box along with a Diet Drink or two, Sugar Free box of candies.   These are just a few ideas.  Make it a party in a box for him with different themes each time.  You don't have to spend alot of money each time.  You're friend is lucky to have a friend like you!  I kno he will love anything you send!

[saveone]

I love the theme idea.  It will make it exciting to get the basket because he will be wonder what the theme is and alex had some wonderful ideas.  You could take one of her ideas and build on it.

terry

[Lulu54]

I love the party in a box idea ----

movie night

spa retreat

zen moments

birthday celebration

summer equinox

blue moon (next time we have one!)


those would all be fun to assemble.


Give yourself and your friends a giant hug and pats on the back  all around for pitching in to help this friend.  

have fun with this ....
Lulu

[doublevision1]

Thanks all for the great ideas, theme/party in a box would be a fun way to go. His birthday is in April, I think parcel #1 will be a birthday theme.  This will be fun!

[deborah0904]

I think you should take a picture of your goodies that you put in there so that you can refer to them in the future.  For the birthday, have you thought about putting some birthday balloons, plates, napkins in there?  Also, if you take pics you can share with us so that we can enjoy your friends packages as well!.  This is going to be so much fun!!!!

[Quixotic1]

A bunch of notes (like emails) or cards from a whole gaggle of people (us) he doesn't know - with jokes or stories or just well-wishes.

Q

[rendean]

I've done several theme boxes as gifts since family and some old friends all live out of state. For the birthday boxes I have sent Mylar balloons that float up as soon as they open the box. Always a great reaction.

For Christmas I sent stockings with a tag attached "Some assembly required" as I packaged the wrapped items securely for shipping and sending them in the stocking would work as I was afraid of breakage. My MIL thought it was a great idea when she received hers.

Have fun and let us know what you come up with.

Ren

[HVAC]

Oh one time when my sister was at a low point I made her a cartoon everyday. I had these characters "Charlie Horse" and "Ralph the Rat" whose mind was in the sewer.

Alex

[Guitar_grrrl]

These are all so wonderful!

I usually work from the food angle.  I'd make a pot of Coq au Vin and burn a CD of French jazz.  

Again, an addition to the Theme Basket.
Cheers,
Guitar_grrrl

[melissabarnett]

joke books and tisues for that realy funny side spliting tear droping joke and maybe some test strips i have a friend that has sugar and when i have extra cash in hand i buy some strips for her test meater or or alcohol prep pads  or a bag syranges  hope this helps and gl