USPS's "Ridiculous" Holiday Care Package Snafu Leaves Dozens of Service Members in the Lurch
In a bizarre incident, hundreds of care packages sent to US military personnel stationed overseas during the holidays were returned by the United States Postal Service (USPS) over a minor technicality. The 1,139 care packages shipped by the nonprofit Boxes to Boots were intended for service members serving in 13 different countries, but an estimated 884 of them were flagged and sent back due to "incomplete forms," according to USPS.
The problem lies with the word "toiletries" being circled on the labels of most returned boxes, which USPS deemed too vague. In an effort to prevent potential violations of federal export laws, USPS now requires more detailed descriptions for international packages. However, Boxes to Boots President Kristen Gauvin argued that these care packages were clearly marked as intended for US military personnel and had the correct tariff codes.
The issue has left dozens of service members without their holiday care packages in time, causing significant emotional distress. Many rely on these packages to stay motivated and boosted in morale while serving away from their families. As a result, Gauvin is "losing sleep" over this snafu and is demanding action from USPS to find and deliver the remaining packages.
US Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who represents Connecticut, has weighed in on the issue, calling it "ridiculous" and urging USPS to take immediate action. The nonprofit is now facing an estimated $10,000 in shipping costs for a single year's worth of care packages.
In a bizarre incident, hundreds of care packages sent to US military personnel stationed overseas during the holidays were returned by the United States Postal Service (USPS) over a minor technicality. The 1,139 care packages shipped by the nonprofit Boxes to Boots were intended for service members serving in 13 different countries, but an estimated 884 of them were flagged and sent back due to "incomplete forms," according to USPS.
The problem lies with the word "toiletries" being circled on the labels of most returned boxes, which USPS deemed too vague. In an effort to prevent potential violations of federal export laws, USPS now requires more detailed descriptions for international packages. However, Boxes to Boots President Kristen Gauvin argued that these care packages were clearly marked as intended for US military personnel and had the correct tariff codes.
The issue has left dozens of service members without their holiday care packages in time, causing significant emotional distress. Many rely on these packages to stay motivated and boosted in morale while serving away from their families. As a result, Gauvin is "losing sleep" over this snafu and is demanding action from USPS to find and deliver the remaining packages.
US Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who represents Connecticut, has weighed in on the issue, calling it "ridiculous" and urging USPS to take immediate action. The nonprofit is now facing an estimated $10,000 in shipping costs for a single year's worth of care packages.
like these guys are already serving their country overseas and they get screwed over by a stupid technicality? 
I mean what's the point of even sending care packages if it's just gonna get sent back because of some vague word on a label? 
It's not like they're trying to smuggle anything, it's just toiletries for soldiers who are away from home during the holidays. And now Kristen Gauvin is having sleepless nights over this? Come on! 
Can't USPS just make an exception or something? This is ridiculous 
and I'm so sorry these service members are going through this.
this is like, so frustrating! I mean, I get why they wanna be all strict about the export laws and whatnot 
but come on USPS, can't you just make an exception for these poor service members who are already dealing with so much?! They're not getting their holiday cheer, which is, like, super important for morale 
. And now Kristen Gauvin's losing sleep over this...that's just sad 
. I hope they get those packages delivered ASAP 
. It's like, we should be celebrating the holiday season, not stressing about some technicality 
️.
its just ridiculous they'd even send something back cuz of a tiny word mistake. USPS needs 2 step up their game ASAP 
it's just a care package with some toiletries and stuff, but it can make all the difference in someone's day. USPS is being too strict about this technicality... I mean, who really cares if there's only a word like "toiletries" on the label? 
it's not like they're sending out nuclear warheads or something 
. We should all take a page out of Sen Blumenthal's book and call BS on situations like this 