Need a service idea for Thanksgiving break?

After the turkey is eaten and the dishes are done, you might want to take some time to look into the Red Cross “Holiday Mail for Heroes” Program for 2008.  Last year, they sent over 600,000 cards to  wounded servicemembers at hospitals around the country and overseas, and this year they're being even more ambitious. 

According to Senior Director, Carol Hall,  "This year we want to expand who is reached with the holiday greeting cards to include not only our wounded warriors, but all servicemembers and their families, as well as veterans.  Our goal is to reach 1,000,000 persons this year to show our appreciation for their service and wish them well over the holiday season and with your help we will!"

In addition to just being fun, this activity could prompt conversations with your children about issues relevant to the holidays, like peace on earth, the concept of "home," and sacrificing for others.  Plus, it would help the kids (and even us parents) take some time to really give thanks to those giving us so much.

 Please mail your card to:

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

These guidelines will make your project easier:

➢    Please ensure all cards are signed
➢    Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review process
➢    Please do not include e-mail or home addresses on the cards as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships
➢    Please do not insert photos, money, religious articles (i.e.-rosary beads, prayer cards, etc), glitter, ‘snow’ or like items in cards as these items will be removed during the reviewing process
➢    Phone cards or gift cards will not be accepted with cards.  Those wishing to send calling cards or gift cards/certificates should go to 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 www.AmericaSupportsYou.com and click under “Homefront Groups” to find out how to send care packages
➢    Participants are requested not to send more than 25 cards from any one person or 50 cards from any one group.
➢    Note-All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums

All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008... So get your crayons out and give thanks to a soldier who might really appreciate a note from home.

Click here for more information.