Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-10-07
SENDING CHRISTMAS
PACKAGES OVERSEAS
Complete Information for Red Cross
Chapters Received at Local Head
quarters-New Plan Should Be
Read by All

Chapters Received at Local Head
quarters-New Plan Should Be
Read by All
Complete informal ton for Red Cross
chapters regarding the sending OF
Christmas parcels to the men abroad
has been received by the Augusta chap
ter from the New England headquar-
tiers and should be read by all who
plan to make presents to the soldiers
overseas. This information also con-
tains detailed instructions for the chap
tiers in the matter Those planning to
send presents abroad should remember
that no Christmas parcels can be mailed
later than Nov. Is, 1918.
general description OF the plan is
contained in the following:
1. The families of men In service
abroad have been longing for some
means Of making Christmas overseas as
merry one as the conditions permit.
Sensing this desire. the war department
has decided that each man may receive
from his family Christmas package of
standard size and appropriately stand
ard contents.
2. An arrangement has been complet-
ed between the war department, posi-
office department and the American Red
Cross whereby The latter has undertaken
to cooperate in the preparation for
mailing Of these Christmas parcels. To
simplify the execution Of this plan a
large number of specially manufactured
cardboard cartons have been purchased
which will be distributed through the
chapters to tie relatives and friends Of
men in service overseas.
General Description Of the Plan
8. The amount Of shipping space
portation of Christmas parcels will per-
nit the sending of but one parcel to
each man. To avoid any duplication,
and to make sure that each parcel will
be correctly addressed, Christmas par
eel label is now being issued to the men
abroad.
A. Men will be instructed to mail
this label home to some relative or
friend who, upon receiving it, will
apply to the nearest Chapter. Branch
or Auxiliary headquarters. or such
other places as may be designated by
the Red Cross where upon presenta-
ton Of the Christmas Parcel label.
they will receive one carton. 3x4x9
inches in size.
S. The person receiving a carton
may fill it with any combination Of
articles which will fit in it and
which are not barred by the rostof-
fee department. (See list attached).
When completely packed and ready
to be mailed the weight Of the car
ton must not exceed three pounds.
6. A parcel ready for shipment
will then be presented at places des-
ignated where Red Cross representa-
tives will examine the contents in
order to:
(a) Exclude any articles barred
by the postoffice department from
Christmas parcels.
(b) Remove any notes or mes
sages found among the contents.
&c, Wrap. tie and weigh the
parcel.
(d) Place on the parcel the
Christmas parcel label received
from abroad bearing the address
Of the man for whom 1t is intend
ed. The person sending ths par
eel shall then, in the presence Of
Red Cross representative. affix
stamps sufficient to carry the
parcel to Hoboken, N. ]. The
postage charges for Christmas
packages shall be at the rate Of
fourth class or parcel post zone
rate.
(e) The Red Cross inspection
label certifying as to the COM
plete inspection Of the parcel by
the Red Cross shall then be
placed on the parcel.
0) Parcels ready for mailing
shall remain in the custody II the
Red Cross until delivered by its
representatives to the postoff1ce
authorities.