The nonprofit spent $10,000 to get the packages delivered by the end of November.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) spoiled the nonprofit’s annual holiday care package for US military personnel overseas. for a technical reason with tags that New York Post reports.
A total of 884 care packages developed by the Connecticut-based organization Boxes to Boots were flagged and returned. after being quoted for “incomplete forms”. Most of the returned parcels had the word “toiletries” on the labels.
“More detailed descriptions are now required for all international packages, so it’s important not to use generic terms,” said Amy Gibbs, USPS strategic communications specialist. “It is important for customers to know that incorrect or incomplete data can prevent the Postal Service from detecting potential violations of federal export laws.”
The postal agency also said that all international parcels must include a special tariff code as of September 1. Organizers of the nonprofit organization say each care package (a total of 1,139 were initially mailed) had a matching six-digit key.
The nonprofit spent $10,000 to get the packages delivered by the end of November.
Boxes to Boots organizes an annual drive to collect snacks and toiletries for US military personnel overseas. The organization also raised $75,000 to cover shipping and operating costs.
now there is no way the packages will reach the troops on time, which upset the president of the organization, Kristen Gauvin.
“They are clearly marked for our U.S. military,” Gowin said, according to NBC Connecticut. “As far as I’m concerned, in New York (where the boxes were flagged, someone) could put these boxes, hundreds of boxes, on the side, ask the supervisor what we should do about it, maybe call Boxes to Boots, explain the problem and take care of it right then and there.”
Govin said he is “losing sleep” over the issue.
“Weeks ago I heard from a service member saying he was looking for support. He needed support. He is having a tough time in his first deployment,” he said. “His box is sitting on the floor in the office and I can’t pass it on to him… We need some answers. We need some solutions here. This is ridiculous.”
For those looking to support military personnel who have lost loved ones this holiday season, the USPS offers a Military Care Kit that includes: a variety of shipping itemsincluding several Priority Mail equivalent boxes, Priority Mail tape, address labels and custom form envelopes, all free.
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