Holiday Mail for Heroes (American Red Cross)

[Mike H]

In case you wanted to send an extra card or two out...

http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes

Card Guidelines: Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working around the country.
Please observe the following guidelines to ensure a quick reviewing process:

• 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.

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 December 6th.

 

[Toothpick]

Awesome! Will be doing this one.

 

[Mike H]

We took the our children to visit Santa (we went to the Christmas Store, in Santa Clause, Indiana) yesterday. He ask them what they were going to do for someone else this Christmas. My youngest said she would write a letter to someone. Santa suggested they each send a card to a soldier. So researching for an address, I found this one.

 

[andrew98]

I'm doing this but will have to mail them out tomorrow in order to make the deadline. Oregon to Maryland takes a little while.

-Andy

 

[August West]

I remember cherishing these correspondences when a mail sack found its' way to the platoon. The notes and drawings from the children were priceless. Notes from adults were also greatly cherished. Made you feel connected and human.

P.S. At the time, mail coming out of a combat zone did not require postage to be delivered. Also, it could be written on a piece of cardboard from a ration box and be delivered as is. No stationary or envelope. Like a postcard. Thought you Nib guys would find that interesting.

 

[Aristeros]

My guys have received these in the past and I very much endorse this activity. I would tell you that if you miss the deadline, there are other groups out there.

Or, you could send letters to my knuckleheads out here. A baker's dozen of Army, or, if you're feeling froggy, a slew of Air Force. Let me know.