While military deployments and hospital stays may keep many of our nation’s heroes away from their families this holiday season, the American Red Cross is collecting and distributing cards that send words of encouragement, gratitude and cheer during its annual Holiday Mail for Heroes Campaign.
From Oct. 1 and Dec. 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 Ann Wright, Chief Executive Officer. “You say thanks, we’ll do the rest.”
The Red Cross is inviting the public to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer by dropping them off at any of local Red Cross offices, or contact Kim Eller at 864-282-8650 for other arrangements:
Greenville, 940 Grove Road, 29605; Spartanburg, 131 East Main Street, 29306; Anderson, 115 Whitehall Road, 29625; Pickens, 509 South Lewis Street, 29671; Walhalla, 224 East Main Street, 29691.
Pitney Bowes Inc. receives cards at the special Holiday Mail post office box, and screens them for hazardous materials. Pitney Bowes screens, packages and ships the cards at no charge and contributes thousands of volunteer hours at sites around the country.
Red Cross volunteers across the United States and on military installations overseas then sort and deliver the cards throughout the holiday season. The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have received and distributed more than 4.7 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006.
The currently scheduled Holiday Mail for Heroes events in the Upstate are:
- Euro Auto Festival, BMW, Saturday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Harley Davidson Bike Rally, Harley Davidson of Greenville, Saturday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Greenville Road Warriors game, BI-LO Center, Saturday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Rascal Flatts Concert, BI-LO Center, Thursday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
To ensure that cards are delivered in time for the holidays, they must be received no later than December 7. Individuals are asked to refrain from sending “care packages,” monetary donations, or using glitter or any other kinds of inserts with the cards. More information and card requirements can be found online.
The public can connect with fellow card senders through Facebook and Twitter.com/redcross using the hashtag #holidaymail.