I usually send my boxes via Priority Mail - is that a seperate deadline for Christmas mailings than parcel post? Thanks!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/giving/12VET.html?ref=giving Encouraging article on giving to our troops.

Hi ASJunkies, When you send individual servings of oatmeal, coffee, tea, hot chocolate -- do you take them out of the boxes and repackage them in ziplock bags? I could fit more in the box that way, but I don't want the stuff thrown out if its not in the original box. Thanks for the advice!

Magazines don't count as MediaMail (i found this out too late). And you can't include a letter if sending Media Mail.

If you knit or crochet, also check out Afghans for Afghans (www.afghansforafghans.com) and their links to patterns, as well as helpful hints to make the item most useful for an Afghan winter. They also sell patterns inspired by Afghan design. 

Hi Marty, To clarify your message, I'm guessing that the topic of your email was sending leftover Halloween candy? And that you are not opposed to sending 'junk food' in general. It seems like most of us were planning in advance of the holiday, sending new prepackaged candy, and hoping it got to the troops in time to celebrate ...

Congratulations Gran! For others in a similar situation, the American Women Clubs usually adopt American Military Graves and hold annual ceremonies  to honor the fallen. The AWC of Amsterdam ceremony was very moving - usually involving local nationals, diplomats, as well as American expats.  To find an AWC club near ...

Pumpkin Pie substitute: Try Clif bars, I think they have a PP flavor for the holidays. My youngsters like their seasonal flavors - they just had S'More Z Bars by Clif which are pretty yummy. LARA Bars makes a Pecan Pie flavor that is also really good.

Okay, please explain to a newbie here - do the troops have free mail? They don't need stamps? I was getting ready to send my 2nd box off (the first was halloween candy) and wanted to include some blank cards, but didn't know if I needed to send stamps too. I figured Uncle Sam would bring the letters to the US and then mail them with US ...

Hi All, We're getting ready to send our first box, and the kids want to send Halloween candy to our contact in Afghanistan. Is it okay to send? Will chocolate melt? Can I add a few decorations or Halloween items like funny pencils? Thanks for the advice. Thea