The American Red Cross kicked off its annual Holiday Mail for Heroes program on Monday, Sept. 30, and invites Americans to show their gratitude and best wishes for those who serve our country, vets and their families by sending holiday cards.
From now until Dec. 6, Americans can create and send cards to service members, veterans and their families who will receive cards across the country and around the world.
‘Everyone gets busy, especially around the holidays, so just a few moments can mean a lot,’ said Sherri L. Brown, senior vice president, Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces. ‘While it may not seem like much, a hand-written note to a service member spending time away from his or her family makes a word of difference.’
The Red Cross invites the public to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer by mailing them to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456 Red Cross volunteers across the United States and on military installations overseas sort and deliver the cards throughout the holiday season. The Red Cross has received and distributed more than 6.5 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006.
To ensure that cards are delivered in time for the holidays, they must be postmarked no later than December 6. Individuals are asked to refrain from sending letters, monetary donations or any other kinds of inserts with the cards. Please also refrain from using glitter. More information and card requirements can be found at redcross.org/holidaymail.
The Red Cross also invites the public to share photos and videos of their card signing efforts or their holiday greeting for troops by using the hashtag #HolidayMail on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vine accounts. The Red Cross will use the material on its social sites throughout the holiday season. The public also can connect with fellow card senders through Facebook.com/redcross and Twitter.com/redcross.
The Red Cross relies on the support of the American people to carry out its mission of service to the 2 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 24 million veterans and their families. During this holiday season, the public can also support all Red Cross services by making a financial donation at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Individuals can also give the gift of life by making an appointment to give blood at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.
