Thank Soldiers, Vets through Holiday Mail for Heroes

by Abigail Adams

Veterans Day is a time when the country pauses to honor everyone who has ever served our country as a member of the Armed Forces.  

Mary Young, CEO, American Red Cross Metro New York Chapter says: “This weekend is a great time for people to join the American Red Cross 2013 Holiday Mail for Heroes Campaign and send a holiday card to our nation’s military, veterans and their families.”

The Holiday Mail for Heroes mailbox is open from now through Dec. 6. 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

Millions of cards

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. Visit our YouTube channel for videos capturing the spirit of our Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign.

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 throughFacebook.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.