How To Send Packages

Thank you for “Supporting Our Troops by volunteering to fill a “Troop Support Box.” These boxes will be distributed to members of the military in Iraq. Their addresses can be found in the "Where To Send Packages" page.

This effort was initiated by the Sarasota Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), but relies on community support to provide the depth necessary to make it successful.

Please consider initiating support at your church, club, business, or organization. See the "Conduct S.O.T. Drive" page.

1. There is now a larger (12' X 12" X 5-1/2") APO/FPO Flat Rate Priority Mail box available specifically for sending things to our troops; shipping cost to an APO/FPO is $13.45. We recommend using only these new, larger boxes, referenced below, for sending things to the troops.

2. Suggested list of items to place in the box is found on the "What To Send or To Avoid" page. It is not expected all items on the list can be placed in the box. Emphasis is on personal items and soldier support items.

Consider filling some boxes with items for female soldiers; then mark the box and Customs Form, "For Female Soldier". Keep a general list and cost of items purchased for the Customs Form.

3. Priority Mail mailing labels are available at the Post Office. (Alternatively, you may write directly in the address place on the box, although this is not as good). You can print out addresses on these Post Office labels. Go to "Where To Send". Customs forms, available at the Post Office, are needed when mailing to an APO - e.g., AE 09380. Use Form 2976 if under 4 pounds weight, Form 2976A if over 4 pounds. In using the forms, you can summarize, e.g., Personal Hygiene items, books, etc. Prepare the 2976-A Form (see sample link, to the left) and the Post Office clerk will complete it and attach it to your box. Check the "Treat as Abandoned" box, Under "If Non-Deliverable".

5. We have provided a sample letter for the Troops from the Sarasota MOAA chapter (MOAS), which provides a brief summary of what we are doing. Click here for "Sample Ltr to Soldier" .

6. The box should be addressed to the Commanding Officer, by name or title (Commanding Officer) of the respective company. (Addresses can be found in the "Where To Send Packages".) He will further distribute to soldiers in the unit. If you are using a "Flat Rate" box and have been provided a pre-prepared mailing label, peel it off and attach it to the box where the label indicator is located. If you are writing the address on the package use the same indicated area. If using clear sealing tape to seal the box, also apply a strip over the mailing address.

If you have a friend or relative who is deployed and wish to send him/her a box, tailor the box(s) and address to the soldier you have in mind. Once everything is included, seal the boxes with approved sealing tape. Ensure your address label is firmly attached, add your return address, attach the customs form and take to the Post Office for mailing. Ship it Priority Mail, using an APO/FPO “Flat Rate” Box.

7. Recent automobile, hot-rod, sports magazines will be appreciated. Pocket books geared to the 20/30-year-old audience are also appropriate. You can refer to the suggested items list as you decide how to fill the box. The list is suggested, but not all items need be included - choose those items you wish to send. Wal-Mart or other discount stores are a good place to shop for most of the items. Do not send 100% milk chocolates, they will all melt before arrival.

8. Add a personal note. For example, that you are proud of their performance; wish them best wishes; that thoughts or prayers are with them, and wish them speedy and safe return. Avoid any comment on the geo-political aspects of their effort, we remain apolitical, and are doing this because we support the individual soldier, not dialoging about the pros and cons of national policies. Again, thank you on behalf of the service member who will receive this package. If you need further information go to www.anysoldier.com

9. Individuals who desire to make a financial contribution to the Support Our Troops Program should make their checks payable to the Sarasota Military Officers Scholarship Fund, Inc. (SMOSF), an IRS 501(c)(3) charity, which serves as the outreach arm of the MOAS. While any donations are appreciated, it is estimated that $50.00 will be the upper limit on preparing and shipping a box and as such is a good multiple for donation purposes. Please indicate on the Memo line that the contribution is for the Support Our Troops Program. Your contributions will be used exclusively for the SOT program. The SMOSF's Federal Tax Identification Number is 65-0883860 and the SMOSF is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Registration Number CH19841. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.