By Rob Phillips
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati has been asked to put its generosity on hold - just for now.

Donations meant for U.S. troops have been so plentiful that the Cincinnati chapter of the American Red Cross has stopped accepting "care packages" for overseas.

The moratorium will last for at least two weeks.

"We are absolutely inundated with donations," said Jennifer Vogel , spokeswoman for the chapter.

"That is all fantastic and we are extremely pleased ... but we cannot send over everything that we get."

The number of packages the chapter is allowed to send has been extremely reduced since fighting began, Vogel said.

"At this point we know we have enough packages to cover several weeks," she said.

Folks can check back around April 7 to see if donations are being accepting again.

In the meantime, people can give in other ways, Vogel said. International calling cards, toys and grocery gift certificates for family members left at home are still being collected.

"Military families face a lot of hard times," Vogel said. "Many face a reduction in income and have one less parent."

The Middletown chapter of the Red Cross said it is still accepting donations from groups, but not individuals.