BELLA VISTA — While Christmas is still nearly two full months away, those hoping to get gifts and other items to service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan by the holidays are looking at a shorter period of time.

In fact, the first deadline is less than 10 days from now. (See chart above).

Use the service member’s full name;

Include the unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP Code. Click-N-Ship customers should be advised the Postal Service and the military will continue to add and update valid APO/FPO addresses for online labels.

Include a return address.

For packages, print on one side only with the recipient’s address in the lower right portion. Or print a postage-paid label online at Click-N-Ship, which will automatically standardize the APO/FPO address if it has been added to the Postal Service database.

There are also certain factors to consider when sending packages to the troops overseas. To make sure package contents arrive in good shape, take these into consideration.

• Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees.

• The Box: Select a strong box with room for cushioning. On recycled boxes, cover all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker or adhesive labels.

• Cushioning: Cushion contents with Styrofoam or bubble wrap to keep items from shifting. Consider double-boxing fragile items, with cushioning inside and between the boxes to absorb shock.

• Batteries: Battery powered items will sometimes get turned on during shipment. Remove and wrap the batteries separately.

• Sealing: Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2 inch wide tape.

Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine.

• Include a card describing the contents: Improperly wrapped packages can fall apart during shipment. Including a card inside, listing the sender’s and recipient’s addresses plus a description of the contents, helps in collecting the items.

The Don’ts of shipping overseas.

Don’t send any aerosol cans or cannisters.

Don’t send any tobacco products.

Don’t send any weapons of any kind.

Don’t send pornography.

Don’t send flammable items such as lighters or lighter fluid.

* Express Mail Military Service is available to selected military post offices. Check with your local Post Office to determine if this service is available to your APO/FPO of address.

# PAL is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. It is available for Parcel Post items not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined. The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service.

+ SAM parcels are paid at Parcel Post postage rate of postage with maximum weight and size limits of 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined. SAM parcels are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space-available basis.

Blood donations will be taken Nov. 13

Current inventories at Community Blood Center of the Ozarks include at least a three-day supply for most blood types.

Although levels are adequate, it takes around 275 donations per day to meet the needs of the 36 hospitals that use CBCO products.

CBCO will hold a blood drive Friday, Nov. 13, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Delta Trust and Bank, 1790 Forest Hills Blvd. in Bella Vista.

Eligibility requirements include weighing at least 110 pounds, being in general good health and presenting required ID.

Call (800) 280-5337.

News, Pages 2 on 11/04/2009

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