Red Cross to send holiday cards to service members

The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are teaming up to deliver holiday cards to service members, their families and veterans – many of whom will be far from home this holiday season.

Through December 7, the public is invited to send a “touch of home” through holiday cards that contain messages of cheer and appreciation. Cards will then be screened, sorted and boxed for delivery by Red Cross volunteers.

“One holiday card is all it takes to make a difference in the life of the millions of active duty military men and women, veterans and family members, said Lynwood Roberson, Red Cross regional executive with the Frederick E. Turnage Chapter in Rocky Mount. “The American Red Cross serves and supports members of the military, veterans and their families by providing emergency communications, comfort and assistance each day. The Holiday Mail for Heroes program continues the Red Cross tradition of service to the armed forces.”

Last year, with the help of Pitney Bowes, hundreds of volunteers screened, sorted and packaged cards that were delivered to military bases, veteran and military hospitals across the United States and around the world.

”Last year, the Frederick E. Turnage Chapter provided over 150 emergency communications for local citizens serving in our Armed Forces. This March, we honored the men and women that so bravely serve in the 1132nd MP Company of the National Guard here in Rocky Mount – and it’s just a natural continuation to try and make the Holidays special for those Heroes serving our country and protecting our freedoms," Roberson said. "This weekend during our Give 5 Save Lives Campaign, people can join us at Chick-fil-A at Cobb’s Corners, the Highway Diner, Western Sizzlin,’ Food Lion at Hunter Hill and Beaver Pond, Save-A-Lot, Roses and the Sunset and Benvenue locations of Walgreens to sign a holiday card for an armed forces member.”

After this weekend, Roberson said the public will be welcome to visit the local Red Cross Chapter at 326 S. Franklin Street to sign and send a “Touch of Home” to Service Members.

In 2007, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC approached the Red Cross to help distribute thousands of cards that came into the facility for wounded soldiers. The Red Cross in turn reached out to Pitney Bowes to help initiate the Holiday for Mail for Heroes program.

Holiday cards should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Roberson added that for anyone that wishes to mail cards to please not forget to follow these guidelines while preparing your holiday greetings:

• Sign all cards

• Entitle cards “Dear Service Member, Family or Veteran”
• Limit cards to 15 per person or 50 for school class or business group
• Bundle groups of cards in single, large envelopes

He also requested that people refrain from the following:

• Sending letters
• Including personal information such as home or email addresses
• Using glitter – excessive amounts can aggravate health issues of wounded recipients
• Including inserts of any kind as they must be removed in the screening process

Visit Redcross.org/holidaymail for a full list of recommended guidelines and best practices on the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.

Visit www.turnageredcross.org to learn more about Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and visit www.give5savelives.com to learn more about the Give 5 Campaign.