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November 20, 2007

By GARRON MARSH The Tahlequah Daily Press Tue Nov 20, 2007, 04:04 PM CST

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — The holidays are approaching, and only 34 shopping days are left until Christmas.

But how about shipping days?

To give Santa a little break, Tahlequah Post Office officer in charge Jodi McPhearson said mailing early is the key to getting those packages to loved ones in time for the holidays.

Letters and cards should be mailed by Dec. 20, as should packages shipped via Priority Mail. Packages sent by Express Mail should be shipped no later than Dec. 22. Those using Parcel Post should plan on shipping even earlier -- by Dec. 15.

"To ensure packages reach their destination in time for the holidays, the U.S. Postal Service is encouraging early deadlines," said McPhearson.

To help with safe delivery, the U.S. Postal Service advises customers to pack carefully, in boxes large enough to accommodate the item plus room for cushioning -- like bubble wrap, Styrofoam or paper.

Customers should seal the package carefully with tape, and make sure all address and zip code information is current and correct.

As an alternative to the post office, many holiday shoppers turn to an independent courier service such as FedEX or UPS.

For FedEx users, holiday deadlines range from Dec. 17 all the way up to Dec. 25, depending upon the service used. For more information, visit www.fedex.com.

Similarly, UPS customers are encouraged to ship their packages by Dec. 21 to ensure their arrival in time for Christmas. Most UPS Ground packages require one to three days to reach their destination.

McPhearson also reminded area residents of the impact a holiday -- or everyday - care package can make to the troops stationed overseas.

"Mail is one of the greatest morale boosters we can give our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen during the holidays." said McPhearson. "When they see packages or letters waiting for them, it brings them that much closer to family and the comforts of home."

For those interested in sending a care package, the folks at www.marriedtothearmy.com provided a list of most requested items to send.

Food items such as jerky, chips and cookies are among the favorites, as well as drink mixes that only require water to make.

Among the non-food items, batteries, books, clothing, CDs, DVDs, magazines, video games and mp3 players top the list. Likewise, personal hygiene items like baby wipes, deodorant, lip balm, toothpaste, shaving cream, cotton swabs and lotion are a necessity for everyday life.

To have any chance of holiday delivery, care packages to troops should be dispatched this week. According to the U.S. military, due to "anthrax and other terrorist threats," APO Zip codes are not made public but are available only to family members and close friends of deployed soldiers.

For a more complete list and tips on shipping, visit www.marriedtothearmy.com and click the link for care packages.

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