DEAR SUN SPOTS: Who could I contact to get the address of a local deployed soldier or sailor wanting mail? I do not use e-mail, but I would be happy to write letters. I would prefer to write someone from Maine. Any information is appreciated. Thank you. — Jenny Crandall via sunjournal.com

ANSWER: Concerns about terrorism (think anthrax in a letter) have reduced the ability of citizens to send cards directly to troops. Consider the following post on military.com:

“Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail, to include packages and letters, addressed to ‘Any Wounded Soldier’ that Walter Reed will not be accepting these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.

“In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting ‘Any Service Member’ or ‘Any Wounded Service Member’ letters or packages. Mail to ‘Any Service Member’ that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered. Instead of sending an ‘Any Wounded Soldier’ letter or package to Walter Reed, please consider making a donation to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families listed on the America Supports You website.”

The nonprofit groups take care of all the logistics. For example, say you want to send a Christmas gift to a needy soldier. You tell the nonprofit what you would like to send, but they actually send it, ensuring that the item is safe.

Here is a list of suggested groups from military.com:

Adopt a Platoon — Support the troops through gifts and sponsored mail.

Any Soldier — Sponsor care packages to servicemembers in Iraq.

Army and Air Force Exchange Services — Purchase gift certificates for active and hospitalized servicemembers.

Blue Star Mothers — Organizes postcards to troops and care packages and is currently petitioning Congress for reduced air fares for servicemembers.

Books for Soldiers — Donate books, movies, and more.

Cell Phones for Soldiers — Donate your old cell phones, which pay for calling cards for our troops.

Commissary Gift Certificates — Give the gift of groceries, buy or donate gift certificates.

DefendAmerica — Send a virtual thank-you card.

GI-Bracelet.org — Buy a bracelet to support the troops and contribute to a fund of your choice.

A Million Thanks — Collects e-mails and letters of appreciation for our armed forces.

Operation Air Conditioner — Help pay for air conditioners and heaters for the troops.

Operation Dear Abby — Send greetings and messages of support.

Operation Give — Donate toys to be given to the children of Iraq.

Operation Gratitude — Contribute to care packages sent to our servicemembers.

Operation Homefront Hugs — Contribute to care packages or adopt a servicemember.

Operation Troop Aid — Provide care packages for our deployed U.S. servicemembers.

Operation Uplink — Donate a calling card to help keep servicemembers in touch with their families.

Operation USO Care Package — Sponsor a care package for $25.

Treats for Troops — Purchase care packages for soldiers.

Some of these groups undoubtedly have phone numbers or addresses that you can use to contact them if you don’t have e-mail. But to figure out which charity fits your goal, Sun Spots suggests you research the topic at the library. At the Lewiston library they have a computer lab with a person to assist you.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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