CUSTOMS FORM
First, list what you are putting in the box and its value as you pack in the items, and before you seal the box make sure you've got a complete list.
The customs form (available at the Post Office, a half page size white form) has multiple copies, so press hard when you are filling it out.
Under sender's name: Write "private citizen" in the business line, and USA in country line.
Under addressee's Name, cross out business and street and just write in the information between the soldier's name and the APO zip code, then cross out city and put the APO AE in, over and around it. Nothing in country.
Check "airmail priority" (due to security, this is the only way you can send gifts to unknown recipients)
Check "gift"
Skip down to the bottom, sign and date it with the date you will be mailing it out.
Move over to the right and check EITHER "return to sender" (you have to send priority USPS and return postage is paid for you if they can't deliver it when it goes priority.)
OR check "redirect" and write "commander" or “chaplain” or a specific name you’ve been given and the same APO info, in case your contact is injured and evacuated and you don't want the stuff sent back.
Insurance is up to you, but I tend not to insure stuff not valued near $100 or if it doesn't contain CD's or DVD's or things more likely to be stolen or damaged.
Finally, you need to fill out the not large enough blank space for
"Detailed description of contents".
The trick is to categorize your items as much as possible, so you end up with as few lines as possible.
NOTE: if you are sending more than one box that contain different items, put "# 1", etc. on the box (like under the post office logo under the return address, and put "# 1", etc. on the customs form for it to the right of "description of contents". This way you won't mix up which form goes with which box.
Don't hesitate to list like items in a row if they won’t fit when written one under each other, like
stationery: 4 boxes 72 pencils, 3 pkgs 12 pens, 2 pkgs 40 erasers,..
or toiletries: 4 deodorant, 6 toothpaste, 1 pk razors, 3 body powder, etc.
or movies: 2 DVD, 1 VHS
or snacks: 2 bags candy, 5 bags microwave popcorn, 4 packs gum…
Then put the total number of boxes, bags, pkgs, loose items in that line in
the QTY. column next to it.
IGNORE THE WEIGHT COLUMN.
Put the combined value of everything in each line in the VALUE column.
ADD all the values in the value column for the total value.
IGNORE all the other boxes.
IF you have more questions, just ask patriciaruth.
Thank You sooo much. I wanted you to know that all the first graders decided that instead of a gift exchane between themselves they would all bring a gift for their soldier and have a wrapping/packing party!!!