The holidays bring colder weather and warmer hugs, crowded malls and love filled boxes; it is the time of year that increases our stress but also our compassion. Great Plains Communications is here to help with the stress, so that your family can focus on all the good things the holidays bring. November 1st marked the first day of our Support Our Troops Program, which means we are offering free shipping to all customers with a loved one serving our country, no matter if they are stateside or overseas.
We have found great success with the program in the past, and we are overjoyed to be a helping hand in bringing a touch of home to your loved ones. Below we have included tips on how you can make the most out of your care package.
If sending overseas, it is important to know specific things that are not allowed to be shipped. As we are all aware, there are to be no forms of explosives or lighters, and here is a list of additional items:
- Aerosols
- Air bags
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Ammunition
- Cigarettes
- Dry Ice
- Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
- Gasoline
- Nail Polish
- Perfumes containing alcohol
Each country has their own shipping rules and regulations, so before sending your package, be sure to check that everything you send follows their individual guidelines.
Enough with things that aren’t allowed to be shipped, let’s talk about what fun things you can include in the box. Cookies, magazines, music, these are all things that have been proven as favorites over the years. A touch of home to them could be your handwriting on a Christmas card, the smell of your famous gingerbread cookies, socks, a present they dreaded as a child but now feel the love as they slide their foot inside. No matter what fun things you choose to put in, make sure it is all securely wrapped. There are many opportunities for damage between here and the package’s destination, so use bubble wrap and packing tape to insure the best protection.
You provide the stuffing and we provide the postage. The Support Our Troops Program will send you the Pre-paid Postage Stamp and you pick the destination. To make sure the package is mailed correctly, we have included an example of a proper senders address below:
CPT JOHN DOE
UNIT 2050 BOX 4190
APO AP 96278-2050
Now grab those pumpkin bars you know they miss or write them a letter describing the colors of Fall and all the people who love them. Fill the box with home, whatever that means to you, and let us deal with the rest. With an expected holiday overseas ship time of a month, a November 1st start date is plenty of time to make sure your loved one receives their gift. Let us know what exciting goodies you plan to ship off, in the comments below!