Shipping for Christmas

Mail early. That's the advice of the Military Postal Service Agency. Nov. 12 is the recommended deadline for packages and cards shippped parcel post. Dec. 5 is the latest deadline for all First Class letters and cards and Priority mail packages being sent to Iraq or Afgahnistan with the zip code that begins 093.
The post office now has flat rate Priority Mail boxes available for shipping. They will provide free boxes and will only charge $7.70 for shipping no matter what the weight. They are 11-7/8 x 3-3/8 x 13-5/8. they can be shipped to your home or you can pick them up at the post office. For more information www.usps.com.
The post office also offers a free “Mili-kit” to military families. You can receive 10 boxes in two sizes, five Ty-vek envelopes, a roll of priority mail tape and 10 customs forms with envelopes. Kits can be obtained by calling (800) 610-8734, toll-free. Choose option 1, and when a live agent responds, ask for Care Kit 4. Be aware of restrictions on items that can be sent to certain countries. For example, pork, or pork byproducts and obscene material are just two items that are prohibited in the Operation Iraqi Freedom area. Specific rules and mailing rates are available at www.usps.com/supportingourtroops.