Red Cross Urges Public to Send Holiday Cards to Nation's Heroes this Thanksgiving before PO Box Closes December 6

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Nov 25, 2013, 10:47 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross encourages people to spend time this Thanksgiving sending holiday cards through the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program before the post office box closes on December 6.

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During the holiday season, this Red Cross program delivers tens of thousands of cards to service members, veterans and their families at military hospitals and installations across the country and around the world. The Red Cross has received and distributed more than 6.5 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006.

"Thanksgiving is a great time to sit down with family members to write words of gratitude and holiday cheer to the brave men and women who serve our country," said Sherri L. Brown, senior vice president, Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces. "So many members of our military find themselves far from loved ones during the holiday season, and a message of support helps bring a touch of home to our troops wherever they are."

Whether handmade or purchased, Americans can send cards postmarked no later than December 6 to ensure they are delivered in time for the holidays. All holiday greetings should be addressed and sent to:

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

The Red Cross relies on the support of the American people to carry out its mission of service to the 2 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 24 million veterans and their families. During this holiday season, people also can support all Red Cross services by making a financial donation at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Individuals can also give the gift of life by making an appointment to give blood at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About our Holiday Partners:
During this holiday season, the American Red Cross is grateful for the support of our corporate partners that generously contribute to our Holiday Giving Campaign. They include: University of Phoenix, Circle K and its customers in the West and Florida divisions, and Community Safety Foundation, funded by CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer. Thanks to the generosity of these and other sponsors, the Red Cross is able to carry out its mission of helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies everyday here and around the world. Each holiday season the Red Cross gives everyone the chance to support our work by giving blood, signing a card for military heroes or buying a gift through our holiday catalog. To support the Red Cross this Holiday Season, visit www.redcross.org/holiday.

SOURCE American Red Cross