Lower rate being offered for packages to troops
The United States Postal Service is now offering a new cheaper rate for packages sent to servicemen and servicewomen overseas.

"In some cases, it's going to be cheaper to ship a care package to the troops than it would be to send a similar parcel to a stateside address," Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little said.

Little, who is liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, praised the postal service formaking it easier and cheaper for families to mail packages to their loved ones on active duty outside of the United States.

"You can't imagine how much these care packages mean to the troops," he said. "Each one is like a little piece of home."

Along with the cheaper rates comes a larger box. The new priority mail flat box is 50 percent larger than the old box and will cost $2 less to ship overseas than it would to a domestic address.

Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari encouraged residents to send care packages to the troops.

"If you know someone serving in the Middle East, then by all means send a package," Vicari said. "If you don't have a friend or family member serving, ask your friends and neighbors if they know anyone who could use an extra package from home."

Local National Guard armories, military bases and even recruiting offices can also provide information on care packages.

Vicari said all packages must be shipped to a specific person and address.

"Security is still tight," he said. "Packages without a specific address will likely not arrive."

Among the items most frequently requested by troops are nonperishable food items including beef jerky, razors and other personal hygiene items, lip gloss, sun block and sunglasses.

With the New Jersey Army National Guard preparing for its largest overseas deployment since World War II, Little said many of these items can be given to the troops before they leave this summer.

"Why wait?" Little said. "If you know someone ready to ship out, give them a special care package before they leave."