I'd like to add that gum in paper also melts and sticks to the paper. We only send gum in the bubble packs. The kind that has foil on the back and you press on the top clear "bubble" to push it out the back.
Here's a list of things that are good to send
Hand Sanitizer packets
Hard Candy individually wrapped
small word search books
Crossword puzzle books
Instant soup packets
Individual packets to flavor bottles of water
Toiletries---shaving cream, razors, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, even tampons.
lib balm
hand lotion
Just remember that these people are in a war zone, please don't send scented items.