American Red Cross chapters in Southern California are joining together to send holiday greetings to military members and veterans, and all Californians are welcome to help.
From now until Monday, Dec. 7, the public is invited to send a “touch of home” through holiday cards that contain messages of cheer and appreciation.
Cards should be sent to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and distributed to participating Red Cross chapters nationwide, where they will be sorted and reviewed by volunteers before being given to service members, their families and veterans in communities across America.
“This is a chance for us to show these men and women that we are thinking of them during the holidays and how proud we are of the service they provide,” said Susie Johnson, a local Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteer.
A full list of Holiday Mail for Heroes recommendations and guidelines can be found at Redcross.org/holidaymail, but here are some quick tips to get everyone started.
Do:
• Sign all cards
• Entitle cards “Dear Service Member, Family or Veteran”
• Limit cards to 15 per person or 50 for school class or business group
• Bundle groups of cards in single, large envelopes (there is no need to include individual envelopes and postage for cards)
• Ensure that your cards arrive at the P.O. box by Dec. 7
Don’t
• Send letters
• Include personal information such as home or email addresses
• Use glitter— excessive amounts can aggravate health issues of wounded recipients
• Include inserts of any kind as they must be removed in the screening process
• Send care packages or gifts due to processing and safety concerns.
