Written by Lauren Clarke, volunteer contributor
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| American Red Cross North Texas Region Chief Communications Officer, Anita Foster, shows just some of the thousands of cards made for Holiday Mail for Heroes in 2010. |
Without a doubt, the toughest period of my husband’s nine-month deployment to Afghanistan was during the holiday season. We missed him, and he missed us. Even though we remained focused on his mission and were proud of his service, it was tough not having him at home. The holiday cards we sent to him in Afghanistan were strung around his small bunk and in his tent, and shared with his colleagues, adding some cheer and offering a little reminder of home.
That’s why to me, as a military spouse and Red Cross volunteer, I want to encourage you to take part in the 2012 Holiday Mail for Heroes program, sponsored by the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes. It’s a simple yet impactful way for your family and friends to share your gratitude with our service members, veterans, and their families during this holiday season. Take an hour with kids, friends, and co-workers to buy or make cards and really make a difference to those serving our country far from home. Trust me, it will be appreciated.
Simply make or buy cards and mail them to this address no later than December 7:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes will then screen the cards for hazardous materials, sort and package the cards, and deliver them to military bases and hospitals, veteran’s hospitals and other locations.
Please be sure to follow these guidelines that ensure your cards go through the review process quickly:
· Only cards are accepted. Do not send letters.
All cards must be postmarked no later than December 7, 2012. Be sure to affix adequate postage.
All cards should be signed.
Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” (Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program.)
Do not include email or home addresses on the cards, since the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, because these items will be removed during the review process.
Do not send cards with glitter.
All cards must be postmarked no later than December 7, 2012. Be sure to affix adequate postage.
All cards should be signed.
Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” (Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program.)
Do not include email or home addresses on the cards, since the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, because these items will be removed during the review process.
Do not send cards with glitter.
To learn more about the life changing work that the Red Cross provides to service men and women, military families and veterans throughout the year, visit the Service to Armed Forces page at redcross.org.
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