Time to ready holiday packages

By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

December 04, 2007 12:08 am

— In Iraq and Afghanistan, sunscreen, lip balm and a powdered drinks sent from home could make a soldier’s day.
With final-semester tests just a week or so away at most universities, flavored coffees, candy and granola bars can help college students get through final exams. And a hospitalized child may find comfort, and relief from boredom, in coloring books and puzzles.
“The Postal Service is expecting a very busy holiday mail season again this year,” said spokesman Dave Van Allen.
The Ashtabula post office, 4307 Station Ave., will stay open until 3 p.m. Saturday, and Dec. 15, and will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, and Dec. 16 to accommodate holiday mailers.
HOLIDAY DEADLINES FOR MILITARY: For packages to reach Iraq and Afghanistan by Christmas, the U.S. Postal Service says to send them by today. Military mail going elsewhere overseas should be sent by Dec. 11 and within the United States, by Dec. 15.
HOW TO SEND PACKAGES TO A PERSON IN THE MILITARY
Packages must be addressed to an individual or commanding officer, and
Priority mail is preferred. Ask the Postal Service for its special free “kit” containing boxes and Mili-Pac envelopes.
WHAT TO SEND
Drinks: Instant coffee, tea bags, powdered hot chocolate and sports drinks;
Snacks: single-serving bags of chips, crackers, snack cakes, granola and power bars, nuts, microwave popcorn, candy (no chocolate or meltable items), gum, trail mix, beef jerky and dried fruit;
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razors, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cotton swaps, baby wipes, lip balm, sunblock, foot powder, baby powder, combs, hand sanitizer, contact lens cleaner, eyedrops, soap or body wash, hair spray, perfume and nail polish; and
Fun items: Disposable cameras, small flashlights, stress balls, phone cards, paperback books or magazines, electronic games, radio headsets, batteries, squirt guns, puzzles, DVDs, CDs and video games.
Sources: Operation Military Pride (www.operationmilitarypride.org) and www.packagesfromhome.org.
OTHER HOLIDAY DEADLINES:
Dec. 15: Parcel post, the most economical service.
Dec. 20: First-class mail.
Dec. 20: Priority mail.
Dec. 22: Express mail.
The post office suggests remembering these dates, as well:
Dec. 17: The busiest mailing day of the year.
Dec. 19: The busiest delivery day of the year.
SENDING GIFTS TO HOSPITALIZED KIDS
Children who are hospitalized or sick at home for extended periods enjoy getting packages from family, friends or other concerned people who’d like to help.
What to send: Art-related items, including coloring books, crayons, watercolors, paint brushes, modeling clay, stickers and sticker books, bracelets, bead and jewelry kits, and craft kits.
SENDING GIFTS TO COLLEGE STUDENTS
Parents or friends can send packages filled with favorite treats and other pick-me-ups to college students preparing for final exams.
What to send: Gift cards: For local restaurants;
Snack foods: Microwave popcorn, crackers, candy, cookies, dried fruit, nuts, energy and granola bars;
Drinks: Instant coffee, teas, hot chocolate and powdered drinks.

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