Pick a soldier's name to make holidays brighter

The Vindicator is encouraging residents across the Mahoning and Shenango valleys to participate in “Operation: Holiday Cheer.” Here's how:

Go to www.vindy.com and click on the “Operation: Holiday Cheer” banner to find the names and military addresses of area men and women serving in the U.S. armed forces who won’t be home for the holidays.

Select a soldier’s name to add to your card or gift list. Mailing guidelines and gift suggestions are included with the list.

The soldiers also appear under “Galleries” on our Web site.

This project is the perfect opportunity for area residents to spread their holiday cheer across the many miles that separate our soldiers from their families and friends during the upcoming holiday season.

Parents and teachers, you can help your children and students experience the spirit of giving. Club members, it’s a perfect project for the holidays. While you’re at it, take pictures as you’re working on your project. Send them to shaffer@vindy.com or mail them to The Vindicator, Attn. Barb Shaffer, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown, OH 44501. We’ll post them on our Web site.

For kids and grownups alike, it’s an opportunity to convey the best gift of all — your support and thanks for the sacrificing they’re making on our behalf.

USPS TIPS AND GUIDELINE FOR SENDING PACKAGES

The U.S. Postal Service offers the free Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box for sending packages to military personnel serving overseas. Features include:

• Measures 12-by-12-by-51⁄2 inches.

• Features the “America Supports You” logo and APO/FPO addressing block.

• Postage is only $10.95 when used to send to APO/FPO addresses.

USPS also offers free package pickup from your home or office at a time and place convenient for you. To schedule pickup or for other pickup options, visit usps.com.

PACKAGING:

There are certain things to keep in mind when sending packages overseas:

• Temperatures in the desert often exceed 100 degrees.

• The box should be strong. Cushion contents with plastic foam or bubble wrap to keep items from shifting. Fragile items should be double boxed, with cushioning inside and between the boxes to absorb shock.

• Battery-powered items can get turned on during shipping. Remove batteries and wrap them separately.

• To seal the box, tape the opening and reinforce all seams with 2-inch-wide tape, using clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine.

ADDRESSING:

Print on one side only with the recipient’s address in the lower right portion.

Be sure to include a return address.

Cover the address with clear tape to protect against moisture.

SEND BY:

To ensure delivery of your cards, letters and packages by Dec. 25 to military APO/FPO addresses overseas, the USPS recommends the following deadlines for mailing:

APO/FPO AE Zip Codes 090-092, 094-098, 340, 962-966:

• Express Mail by Dec. 18.

• First-Class Mail (cards and letters) and Priority Mail by Dec. 11.

• Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) by Dec. 4.

• Space Available Mail (SAM) by Nov. 28.

APO/FPO AE Zip 093:

• Express Mail not available.

• First-Class Mail (cards and letters) and Priority Mail by Dec. 4.

• Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) by Dec. 1.

• Space Available Mail (SAM) by Nov. 21.

REMEMBER:

Every country has customs regulations regarding incoming mail. Before sending a letter or package to one of our troops overseas, visit http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/mailingrestrictions.htm, contact your local post office or phone the Military Postal Service Agency at (800) 810-6098.

APO/FPO addresses generally require customs forms.

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR OUR SOLDIERS

The two items most requested by soldiers, especially those in Iraq, are baby wipes and phone cards (international cards are the best value). Other items that are favorites of our troops:

FOOD/SNACKS

(No pork or pork products;

nothing that can melt)

Cookies and hard candy.

Fruit-and-cereal bars.

Dried fruits.

Trail mixes.

Nuts.

Beef jerky and Slim Jims.

Chewing gum.

Coffee and powdered creamer.

Drink mixes.

PERSONAL

(No aerosol containers)

Toothpaste and brushes.

Shaving gel and razor.

Deodorant.

Hand sanitizer and hand soap.

Combs.

Aspirin or Tylenol.

Eyewash drops.

Sunscreen.

Lip balm with sunscreen.

Hand and body lotions; face moisturizers.

Baby powder and foot powder.

MISCELLANEOUS

CDs and DVDs.

Video games.

Games and cards.

Magazines and books.

Sunglasses.

Flip flops.

Paper, pens and stamps.

Gym shorts, socks and T-shirts.