It makes sense, now that I've read it... but at first I had to laugh:

It was a conversation with her son, Todd, a soldier in Iraq. Ever the obliging mother, Marcelle was asking Todd whether he needed anything specific in his care package. His answer surprised her:

"Mom, I could use a couple cans of Silly String."

Yes, the brightly colored plastic goo that comes shooting out of pressurized cans in long strands.
...
It turns out Silly String is a great way to find the micro-thin tripwires that set off improvised explosive devices, a constant killer in Iraq.

Todd explained to his mother how soldiers go building to building, spraying the stuff before entering rooms. If the Silly String falls to the ground, the coast is clear. If the Silly String catches on something, there's trouble.

So while you're buying toys for your kids this holiday season, pick up a pack of silly string and find an organization that sends care packs to the troops.  You might be helping to save a life.  Seriously.

Via On Deadline.