Packages going through or not?

[Luv2Roam]

I am getting too discouraged to mail any more packages.
I keep hearing and reading conflicting reports about the packages -- Yes they are going through -- No, none are. Yes-- those are addressed to individuals -- No, just those from immediate family.
Anyone REALLY know??
From another thread on another board:
"I just spoke to the Military post office at 800-810-6098 to find an APO to send packages to. He informed me that sadly they have stopped all shipments due to the threat of terriorism/ anthrax. They are in the process of returning what they have to sender or destroying all of the shipments...
www.usometroDCorg/care.html "
(I tried the link and it didn't work.)

The link needed some tweeking. Here it is:
http://www.usometrodc.org/care.html
I haven't checked it out to see what it really is for.

 

[nativetxn]

I don't know, I haven't heard anything about packages not getting through. I suppose I will find out if my packages are returned.

I'll have lots of phone cards for future WDW trips if the packages are returned.

 

[Justhope]

and snacks too, like I need any more of those I hope they are going through. Mine has been gone 2 weeks today....and i'm just finishing up another.....

Not to mention that I just got dd preschool involved in sending them...
I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Hope

 

[mousefan]

just read over the link you supplied , and it was mainly talking about " to any serviceman" type mailings.


ABOUT OPERATION USO CARE PACKAGE/HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OPERATION USO CARE PACKAGE/SERVICE MEMBERS' WISH LIST
“Operation USO Care Package”
Delivers Needed Items and Personal Messages to Service Members
Deployed Overseas
You, Too, Can Show a Service Member You Care
With thousands of U.S. troops deployed around the world, still actively engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom and the fight against terrorism, the United Service Organizations (USO) is offering a unique way for individuals and corporations to let our nation's defenders know we haven't forgotten them. “Operation USO Care Package,” sponsored by the USO World Headquarters and administered by the USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro), enables individuals to write a personal message and financially support care packages that will be delivered to service members participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Because of heightened security, individuals can no longer send letters and packages to 'Any Service Member.' Operation USO Care Package is approved by the Department of Defense, providing a safe, easy way for individuals and corporations to show their prayers and thoughts are with our men and women in uniform.
Corporations may also contribute to this program through financial contributions, items donated in bulk for the care packages, or through implementation of an employee participation program. AT&T is a major supporter of this program, providing a complimentary toll free number for individuals to call for further information (1-866-USO-GIVE) and donating thousands of prepaid international phone cards to be included in the packages for the troops. “Our men and women in uniform give so much to the country, we wanted to give something in return as a token of our appreciation that would allow their separation from their loved ones to be a little easier,” according to Paul McQuillan, Defense Sales Vice President, AT&T Government Solutions.
“These Care Packages help the USO bring a touch of home to our men and women in uniform,” said Edward A. Powell, President and CEO of USO World Headquarters. The care packages contain an assortment of items the military have specifically requested, such as prepaid international calling cards, disposable cameras, toiletries, and sunscreen. They also include greetings from the American public, transcribed onto official “Operation USO Care Package” post cards by volunteers and USO staff members.
“Operation USO Care Package will continue for as long as our country is at war,” according to Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro President. “This program is possible because of the support from individuals, corporations and organizations that donate funds to sponsor these care packages.”
Individuals and corporations can learn more about how to get involved and support “Operation USO Care Package” through donations of product or funds, by calling 866-USO-GIVE.
Back to Top
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT OPERATION USO CARE PACKAGE?
Individuals may donate $25, which goes toward sponsorship of an “Operation USO Care Package.” Personal greetings may be forwarded to our post office box with the contribution. USO will transcribe the message onto an official “Operation USO Care Package” postcard, available for preview here.
Corporations may make a tax-deductible financial donation to support “Operation USO Care Package.” A $25 donation goes toward sponsorship of one care package. Each care package will recognize corporate sponsors.
Corporations may donate items listed on the “Service Members’ Wish List” to USO-Metro, many of which may be branded with your corporate logo. These items must be sent in bulk from the manufacturer. Please call (703) 696-2628 for advance coordination of deliveries.
Corporations may delegate an employee to serve as its “Operation USO Care Package” liaison. The liaison will communicate your corporate involvement and enlist employees to participate. Employee participants could sponsor an individual care package, which would include their personal message. Corporations interested in participating in this option or willing to match their employees’ support should call (703) 696-2628 for further information.

Please send all checks and personal greetings for “Operation USO Care Package” to:
USO-Operation USO Care Package
C/O Pentagon Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 19221
Alexandria, VA 22320-9998
Due to the threat of anthrax following September 11, DoD suspended its practice of forwarding personal care packages and correspondence by the American public to “Any Service Member.” In its place, USO created a care package program. Through sponsorship of an “Operation USO Care Package,” an individual’s personal greeting will be transcribed onto an official postcard and included in the care package going to a service member.
MAKE YOUR DONATION NOW!
Back to Top
SERVICE MEMBERS' WISH LIST
Travel Size Personal Items* Miscellaneous Items*
Disposable Razors Playing Cards and Board Games
Toothbrushes Compact Discs
Toothpaste Current Movies on DVD
Tissues Crossword Puzzle Books
Shampoo/Conditioner Disposable Cameras
Shower Gel Pre-paid Global Calling Cards
Sunscreen Stationery and Journals
Baby Wipes Sunglasses
Hand Lotion Small Footballs, Softballs
Lip Balm CD/DVD Cases with Zipper
Cotton Swabs Individually Wrapped Snack Items
Sewing Kits Shoe Polish Kits
*Many of these items may be imprinted with your corporate logo and /or the USO logo.
Back to Top

It says nothing on there about sending individual military folks packages, ( those packages with actual names/ addies) . How could they know the difference between family and friends sending and those that don't know them personally if they have the correct mailing info on it ,many family members and friends have different last names from military personnel, due to marriages, extended family etc. I think from reading this its just " any Military Service" that will not be delivered. I have sent out five boxes so far..all directly to individuals with correct names and addys, .so guess we will just have to wait and see...

 

[Disney Doll]

My understanding is that if they are sent to someone..in other words, there is a name on the package...they will get through. If they are addressed to "Any Servicemember" or something like that, then they won't get through.

 

[jamsmom]

I know some of mine have gotten through to Titis based on what he told Ashli.

I sure don't want them back I am working on another couple of smaller boxed to see if they will get there faster then 2 weeks.

 

[TwinMom7]

If your package was addressed to a specific person, they WILL go through. As for the statement about "immediate family", there is no way that the government knows whether or not you are a sister or an aunt.

We were told just this week by the military, that since Bobby has moved into Iraq, his packages will be held at Camp Coyote in Kuwait, but his letters will make their way to the front where he is. They also told us that when they return to Camp Coyote, it will be "just like Christmas".

There are so many conflicting reports out there, but just know that as long as your mail has an individual soldier's name on it, it will get to him. We were told that right now, the mail is as important to them as food and water....it's the ONLY morale booster they have.

 

[delswife]

Letters get to the front?
Wow, thats good to know. I will be writting alot more letters to mail seperatly from the care packages.

 

[pokiemomo181]

My son has been getting all of his. So has the people in his unit.


Pokie

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

I just heard on CNN that the mail is making its way through even to the front. Some packages even I think.

And the earlier posters are correct, the "any servicemember" packages are not going through. I had even thought that the U.S. Postal service was not even supposed to accept them.

Debbie