DENVER -- This time of year, many people want to help make the holiday season better for those in the military serving overseas. But because of security issues, you can no longer send care packages to U.S. troops in general. You must send it to a specific service man or woman, whether it be a friend or family member.

But there is a way to help many troops overseas and give them something much more useful than cookies -- calling minutes.

You can donate a calling card to help service members keep in touch with their families. Operation Uplink is coordinated by the VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary. You donate online and a calling card will be sent to men or women serving overseas and veterans here in the United States who are hospitalized hundreds of miles away from their family.

If you really want to send a care package, go through the USO care package program. You sponsor the package by including a letter or letters to the troops and then the organization buys and packages up exactly what each soldier needs whether it be toothbrushes, board games or sunscreen.

The Defense Department said even though there are a lot of well-meaning people who want to help unsolicited letters and packages will be turned away so these programs are a great option for you to help during this giving season.