DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have lots of DVDs, CDs, books and games that we would like to donate to our military troops. Where in the Great Falls area can we find drop-off locations? I think a second life of these items being used by our men and women in uniform gives me more “value” than to sell them (give them away) at garage sales. Please list only trustworthy organizations. Thank you. God bless our troops! — Don Binette, donnbnt@aol.com

ANSWER: Concerns about terrorism have reduced the ability of average citizens to send cards and gifts directly to troops. In the past, people could send packages to “Any Service Member” or “Any Wounded Service Member,” but the post office has eliminated those services.

Sun Spots can think of two ways to send a package. One is if you personally know a service member. The other is to go through one of a number of organizations.

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

Military.com (http://tinyurl.com/yf3zmjk) provides a list of suggested groups, some of which are listed below. In your case, you might want to use booksforsoldiers.com. The excellent website provides all the information you’ll need to become an official member authorized to send your books, movies and music to troops.

If you don’t have a computer, you can visit the library to research and decide which group you’d like to support. The Lewiston library has someone on staff to help those who are not familiar with computers or websites.

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

Any Soldier — Sponsor care packages to service members in Iraq.

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

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

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.

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 service members.

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

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

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

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

Treats for Troops — Purchase care packages for soldiers.

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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