Tips for shipping packages to the troops

In the mail

When sending mail to military sites overseas:

•Tuesday is the first recommended date for sending holiday packages to troops stationed overseas using parcel post to all Air/Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) ZIP codes. The last recommended date for Iraq-bound mail is Dec. 4 (Dec. 19 to all other international military installations).

•All military mail, regardless of destination, is sent by domestic mail rate. International rates do not apply. For further information, go online at www.usps.com. Or call (800) 222-1811.

On the Web

Several Web sites offer support of American troops overseas. Following are just a few:

•America Supports You ( www.americasupportsyou.mil), a nationwide program launched by the Department of Defense, is a clearinghouse for nonprofit groups offering a range of services for veterans and troops on active duty.

•Operation Spokane Heroes is a committee of Greater Spokane Inc. that offers a full range of support services to military families. For more information, call Erin Vincent at (509) 363-6821.

•Operation USO Care Program ( www.operationusocarepackage.org) is a USO-sponsored program that, since 2001, has provided opportunities to “sponsor a care package that will be delivered to a deployed service member.”

•Any Soldier Inc. ( www.anysoldier.com) was started by the parents of a soldier who parachuted into northern Iraq in 2003. You select one or more names from the site’s “Where to Send” page, and your letters and packages will be sent to soldiers who don’t get much or any mail.

•Laptops for the Wounded ( www.laptopsforthewounded.com) is a nonprofit organization that provides Web-cam-equipped laptop computers for wounded military personnel in hospitals.

•Hire a Hero (hireahero.com) is an organization founded by Gulf War vet Dan Caulfield that strives to “bring together military friendly employers and local people to provide a comprehensive local network for every returning hero.” As Caulfield told CBS News, “The best way to support the troops, the best way to reward someone for their military service, is a quality job when they get out.”

•Support Our Troops (http://troopssupport.com) is an index of U.S. military support Web sites.