DLA NOW ACCEPTING APPROVED BULK DONATIONS FOR U.S. FORCES IN BOSNIA
The Defense Logistics Agency announced today that it's now accepting approved
bulk donations for U.S. Forces in Bosnia. All donations must be approved prior
to acceptance by the European Command (EUCOM). Program details are available
by calling (703) 767-5266 or 1-800-841-0937; and via e-mail at:
bosnia_donations@hq.dla.mil.
Until recently, the agency has been limited to its primary mission of providing
essential operational and life support items to U.S. Forces supporting
Operation Joint Endeavor. Now opportunities exist to accommodate the transport
of donations on a space-available basis. DLA's program will allow
organizations and businesses to donate large quantities of items to U.S. Forces
for such transport at no cost to the donor organizations. Donors, however, are
responsible for donation delivery to designated DoD facilities, after being
approved for acceptance.
Because all bulk donations must be individually and specifically approved by
EUCOM in advance before they can be accepted, potential donors are urged to
discuss proposed donations with DLA before starting a collection effort.
To assist, DLA has established the Bosnia Donations Office to coordinate the
acceptance and transportation of bulk donations. Just as it did during
Operation Desert Storm, the office will provide potential donors with
information regarding suggested and most popular items, prohibited items, the
acceptance process, and preparation of shipments.
Callers to the Bosnia Donations Office may receive recorded information
concerning acceptable and unacceptable material donations, any-service-member
mail addresses, monetary donations, and potential bulk donations. They may also
leave messages with any questions concerning donations.
As demand increases, the Bosnia Donations Office's phone lines will be staffed,
during regular business hours, with individuals able to answer specific
questions about the bulk donations program.
DLA emphasizes that the bulk donations shipped through this program are for
U.S. Forces only. Persons or groups wishing to donate items to the residents
of Bosnia may contact Volunteers in Technical Assistance (VITA), an Arlington,
Virginia organization that tries to match donations with private volunteer
groups. VITA can be reached at (703) 276-1800.
For more information contact Sharon Gavin, DLA Public Affairs, (703)
767-6181.
