Shoppers eager to find the perfect gifts on Black Friday are invited to take a moment to extend holiday greetings and thanks to U.S. military members and veterans by writing cards that will be delivered around the nation and abroad. Join the American Red Cross at the Legends at Sparks Marina on Friday, November 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to participate in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.
"It's an honor for our community to help make the holidays special for American heroes," said Caroline Punches, executive director of the Northern Nevada Chapter. "The American Red Cross serves and supports members of the military, veterans and their families by providing emergency communications, comfort and assistance each day. The Holiday Mail for Heroes program continues the Red Cross tradition of service to the armed forces."
Shoppers will be encouraged to sign holiday cards at the Red Cross table, located in the courtyard behind Scheels, or they can bring their own stamped addressed cards. For those who wish to write their own cards, they are encouraged to address the card to "Dear Service Member, Family or Veteran" to make them meaningful to more recipients. Cards should be addressed to Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456. For reasons of processing and safety, participants are asked to refrain from sending "care packages," monetary gifts, using glitter or including any inserts with the cards.
Now in its third year, the Holiday Mail for Heroes is a joint effort of the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes. The cards will be screened for hazardous materials, sorted and delivered to military bases and hospitals, veteran's hospitals and other locations during the holidays. Pitney Bowes is providing all screening, packaging and shipping at no charge. The Red Cross will utilize hundreds of volunteers to sort and box cards for delivery to service men and women, veterans and family members in November and December.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Red Cross on the Holiday Mail for Heroes program," said Lisa Bates CMD, marketing consultant at The Legends. "We are proud to provide an outlet for people to show their appreciation for the members of our military and we hope these letters and cards of encouragement brighten their holidays."
Visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail for more details about the program and a full list of guidelines.
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