ONE MORE CHRISTMAS CARD.......FOR OUR HEROES AND SOLDIERS!

[MIASJOURNEY]

 There are so many organizations that have once been that have such big hearts. Unfortunately they did not have the funds to make it. There are many emails circulating that are asking for cards for soldiers (such as: a Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue,NW, Washington,D.C. 20307-5001). Many of these addresses are invalid or simply no longer exist. I found a valid one and would love for you to join with me in touching one life, one heart, one man or woman who may need a "holiday lift." Please don't forget about those who are fighting for freedom, here and oversees, whether you agree with war or not. You see the truth is: they are out there and they deserve our respect and honor. So let's give them what they so courageously deserve!!!

 

Holiday Mail for Heroes

Holiday Mail for Heroes is a partnership between the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes to deliver one million holiday cards to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

You can also:

• Download and print a free card.
• Learn about other ways to participate.
• Get the latest news about Holiday Mail for Heroes.
• Watch a video from Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet Members Dr. Phil and Nancy O'Dell.

Please follow these simple guidelines when sending your card to ensure it will quickly reach service members, veterans and their families.

• All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards postmarked after this date will be returned to sender.
• If sending more than one card, please mail all cards together in one large shipping envelope. Cards sent in this manner do not need individual envelopes or postage.
• Please ensure that all cards are signed.
• Please use generic salutations such as "Dear Service Member."
• Please do not include personal information, like email or home addresses.
• Please do not send letters.
• Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, glitter, confetti, gift cards or calling cards. Any items inserted into cards will be removed during the reviewing process.
• All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums.

Pitney Bowes is generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible. Every card received will first be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working in one of 16 sorting stations around the country.

If you have questions that are not answered here, please review our Frequently Asked Questions  

Q. My classroom/church is doing a community service project after the postmark deadline. Can we still send our cards to you?
A. Unfortunately we cannot accept any cards that are postmarked after Dec. 10, 2008. Cards received after this date may be returned to sender. This deadline ensures that we can provide the cards to military members and their families before the end of the holiday season.

Q. Can I send a letter to a soldier through your PO Box?
A. This program is for holiday cards only.

Q. I got an email that I should send my cards for wounded soldiers to Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC. Is this true?
A. Walter Reed is not accepting holiday cards for soldiers. Any cards sent there will be returned to sender. If you received such an email, please consider sending your cards to the Holiday Mail for Heroes mailbox instead. For more information, visit http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp.

Q. If I’m sending more than one card, do I need to put a stamp on every one?
A. If you are sending several cards, please mail them in one large envelope. Each card does not need its own envelope or postage. Pitney Bowes and the Red Cross are taking care of sorting and delivery, so the only postage needed is what gets it to our PO Box.

Q. If I am sending a large quantity of cards, can I ship them in a box?
A. Yes, we can accept boxes for large quantities of cards.

Q. Can I drop my cards off at my local Red Cross chapter?
A. Local chapters are not accepting cards—in order for them to be sorted and delivered they must be sent to the PO Box.

Where to Send Phone Cards, Gift Cards and Care Packages:

• Phone cards or gift cards will not be accepted with the holiday cards. Those wishing to send calling cards or gift cards/certificates should go to http://www.aafes.com/, scroll down to "AAFES Community Connection" and click on "Help Our Troops Call Home" or "Gift Cards/Certificates for Our Troops" in order to send such items.
• No 'Care Packages' will be accepted at this address. Those wishing to send care packages should go to http://www.americasupportsyou.com/ and click under "Homefront Groups" to find out how to send care packages.