SIKESTON, Mo. -- Residents wanting to make Christmas for area soldiers a little more merry need to send their packages as soon as possible, officials say.

"Mid-November is cutting it close for priority packages to troops," said James Day of the U.S. Postal Service in Sikeston. "Bringing in the packages as early as possible is your best bet."

Packages cannot weigh more than 70 pounds or be longer than 108 inches, Day said.

Packages cannot contain any liquids, aerosols -- or anything potentially hazardous or that perishes easy, Day said. Snacks, toiletries and clothing are what most people have sent to the troops, he said.

In lieu of sending a personal package, some organizations plan to send group gifts to the troops. The Semo Military Support Group is collecting items to be sent to troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Monetray donations are also being accepted to defray the cost of shipping.

Items for soldiers may be dropped off at Raburn Evans Glass in Sikeston or the Standard Democrat newspaper no later than Nov. 12.

For a list of requested items or more information, call Carol Messmer at (573) 545-3257, Julie Kirk at (573) 471-8852 or Suzann Romines at (573) 472-6288.