Find your way from store to store with Dial Directions

STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE -- Going to one store, finding everything you need and buying it without a hitch -- that's a holiday pipe dream. Reality goes more like this: Trip to store one, couldn't find anything you like; trip to store two, out of stock; trip to store three, you never made it because you got lost on the way.

Just launched nationwide is Dial Directions, a free "directions" service that may not help you pick out the perfect gift, but can help get you to it. By dialing DIR-ECT-IONS (347-328-4667) from any cell phone, the service can get you from holiday shopping Point A to holiday shopping Point B, when a computer or GPS system is nowhere in sight.

Users call the number and are answered by an automated female voice that asks them to speak their starting location and destination, whether it's an address, intersection or chain store. The service then instantly sends them turn-by-turn driving directions via text message.

Need that "all I want for Christmas gift" for your little one? Dial Directions can provide directions to Toys 'R' Us. What about gifts for the gadget lover in your life? Find directions to Best Buy or Circuit City. The service also provides directions to department and discount stores, such as Macy's and Target.

Once you're finished shopping, it might be time to ship packages to friends and family throughout the country. But where is the nearest mailing service? Dial Directions touts that it can provide directions to the closest UPS, FedEx and post office as well as Staples, OfficeMax or Office Depot.

The company says it can also find the nearest Salvation Army, American Red Cross or Goodwill where you can donate items to help families in need during the holiday season.

When using Dial Directions, normal usage charges from your wireless service provider apply.

For more information about Dial Directions, visit www.dialdirections.com.