The holidays can be a lonely time for soldiers overseas, but many organizations around the United States have made it possible for Americans to send some holiday cheer to the troops.

One way to share some holiday cheer is with a card. Through VAULT's "Honoring the Uniform: Calling for Support" program, people across the U.S. can send hand-written messages to troops on pre-addressed postcards. Postcards can be found on camouflage-themed VAULT 12-packs in participating stores or online at DrinkVault.com and MyCokeRewards.com.

The postcards can be mailed with a first-class stamp and will be sent to the appropriate USO collection centers before being distributed to the troops.

Other organizations -- several of which are listed at America Supports You -- offer programs to send care packages to soldiers. You can choose your level of involvement, which can include making a monetary donation, donating postage stamps and shipping materials, or donating items that can make up bigger care packages.

Many organizations also offer programs where you can adopt a soldier and create your own care package to send.

If you do create your own package, consider including some of the following items in your holiday gift:

Books: Help your soldier pass the time overseas with an entertaining book. A book with a sentimental meaning will be appreciated, as will a classic or a new release that the soldiers might not have access to yet. Other types of books -- such as books of crossword or sudoku puzzles -- can also make good gifts.

Movies: Sending your soldier a movie will not only be a treat for him or her, but will also entertain their fellow soldiers, as well. When picking a movie, consider sending a comedy -- it will help lighten the mood and take the soldiers' minds off of combat.

Games: Video games and board games are good gifts to send your soldier that he or she can also enjoy with other soldiers. Also consider sending hand-held games that he or she can enjoy on their own, too.

Food, Snacks: An always-welcomed gift is food from home, such as cookies, pretzels, chips, crackers, granola bars and candy that soldiers aren't likely to get overseas. Soldiers might also like beverages -- packages of sports drink mixes, instant coffee, tea or hot cocoa.

Hygiene Products: Soldiers will welcome personal hygiene products that they might not have access to overseas. For men, shaving cream and razors are a safe bet. For women, lotions, body washes, shaving gel and manicure products can make good gifts.