The American Red Cross invites Americans to show their gratitude and support our military by sending holiday cards through its annual Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Now through early December, Americans can create and send cards to service members, veterans, and their families 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 world of difference.”
The Red Cross invites the public to check with your local Red Cross for times and locations of events and for opportunities to get involved.
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 to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006.
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 guidelines can be found at RedCross.org/HolidayMail.
The public can connect with fellow card senders through Facebook and Twitter. The Red Cross also invites everyone 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 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, you can 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.
