Holiday mail for heroes

CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - Many of the men and women serving overseas are unable to share the holiday season with their loved ones. The American Red Cross is asking you to help send some love their way with their Holiday Mail for Heroes initiative.

Dawn Leaks, Red Cross Regional Director of Communications talked more about the drive.

About Holiday Mail for Heroes:

Between October 1 and December 7, Americans can give something that means something by sending a card of thanks and support to members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

"It just takes a moment to sign a card to share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the military community make," said Dawn Leaks, Red Cross Regional Director of Communications. "You say thanks, we'll do the rest."

All holiday greetings should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

The deadline for having cards to the P.O. Box is Friday, December 7th.
Holiday cards received after this date cannot be guaranteed delivery.

Card guidelines:

• Ensure that all cards are signed.
• Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
• Only cards are being accepted. Do not send or include letters.
• Do not include email or home addresses on the cards: the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos: these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
• Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.
• If you are mailing a large quantity of cards, please bundle them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope, as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.