DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY ACCEPTING HOLIDAY DONATIONS FOR OPERATION JOINT ENDEAVOR TROOPS
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is now accepting approved
bulk donations--items weighing 70 pounds or more--for U. S.
troops serving in Bosnia during the coming holiday season. Most
of those troops, about 7,500, will be members of the Covering
Force. Another 2,500 personnel from the current U. S. forces
involved in Bosnia will also remain in country.
The agency's primary mission is to provide essential
operational and life support items to U. S. forces. The
logistics pipeline to personnel serving in Operation Joint
Endeavor now, however, can accommodate donated items on a space
available basis.
All bulk donations must be approved in advance of
acceptance. Donors should first call DLA's toll-free number, 1-
800-841-0937, for donation approval, and to receive specific
instructions on the packing, marking and shipping of their
donations. Donors are responsible for delivering their items to
the designated Department of Defense facilities. Donations must
be received by the designated DoD facilities no later than
December 6, 1996. The donated items will then be shipped to the
troops at no cost to the donor.
The DLA donation office will provide potential donors with a
list of suggested and most popular items, as well as information
on items that are unacceptable. Prohibited items include:
firearms, alcoholic beverages, combustibles, pornographic
materials, perishable foods, glass/breakable containers, home-
baked products, books, newspapers and magazines.
Donors should note that donations cannot be sent to specific
individuals, units or locations. This does not, however,
preclude donors from sending specifically-addressed donations
directly, using their own shipping agents.
Donations to Operation Joint Endeavor cannot be tracked, nor
can information be provided regarding the recipient of the
donated items. If for any reason a donation cannot be delivered
to the Bosnia region, it will be sent to U. S. military personnel
serving elsewhere.
The Department of Defense also is authorized to accept
monetary donations for use by the Department. Donors wishing to
make a financial contribution should contact the Defense Finance
and Accounting Service at (703) 607-0918 for further details.
Additional information regarding this press release may be
obtained from DLA public affairs, (703) 767-6200.
