Monday, October 1, 2012

Holiday Mail for Heroes Starts Oct. 1

Military deployments, distance, and hospital stays mean many service members and veterans will be separated from their families this holiday season. The American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program empowers people to “Give Something That Means Something” by sending a card of thanks and support to the members of the Armed Forces, veterans or their families starting October 1st through December 7th.
All you need is a pen and a holiday card to share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the military community make to protect our freedoms. The process is simple- just address the card “Dear Service Member, Veteran or Military Family”-because those cards can be shared with anyone in the military community- then write a heartfelt message. Then cards can be set to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, PO Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD, 20791-5456, where our partner Pitney Bowes scans them to ensure safety and security. Red Cross volunteers then sort and deliver them to service members, veterans, and their families at military installations, in VAs and military hospitals and veteran’s organizations in the United States and overseas.
The Red Cross relies on the generosity of the American people to carry out its mission of service to the two million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 24 million veterans, and their families. The Red Cross supports service members and their families before, during and after deployments. It prepares families for the realities of deployment with educational courses and keeps families in touch during emergencies with its global communication services.
          During this holiday season, you can support all Red Cross services by making a financial donation at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767). You can also give the perfect gift-the gift of life-by making an appointment to give blood. Visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS to make an appointment. The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is a United Way agency.

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