Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) October 24, 2012 — While military deployments and hospital stays may keep many of our nation’s heroes away from their families this holiday season, the American Red Cross is collecting and distributing cards that send words of encouragement, gratitude and cheer.

From now until and December 7, 2012, Americans can give something that means something by sending a card of thanks and support to members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Buffalo Valley Red Cross Chapter, Manager, Beth Dewald says, “It just takes a moment to sign a card to share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the military community make. You say thanks, we’ll do the rest.”

This is the second year the Buffalo Valley Chapter has participated in this program.

Last year in partnership with local programs such as the Art Center After School program and RSVP+, over 400 cards were sent to Pitney Bowes for distribution around the world.

The chapter is also recruiting volunteers to help distribute cards to military members and veterans in the community around the holidays.

To ensure that cards are delivered in time for the holidays, they must be postmarked no later than December 7.

The Red Cross is inviting the public to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer until December 7 by mailing them to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Pitney Bowes Inc. receives cards at the special Holiday Mail post office box, and screens them for hazardous materials, at no charge, and contributes thousands of volunteer hours at sites around the country.

Red Cross volunteers across the United States and on military installations overseas then sort and deliver the cards throughout the holiday season.

The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have received and distributed more than 4.7 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006.

Individuals are asked to refrain from sending “care packages,” monetary donations, or using glitter or any other kinds of inserts with the cards.

More information and card requirements are at redcross.org/holidaymail..

The public can connect with fellow card senders through Facebook at facebook.com/redcross and Twitter.com/redcross using the hashtag #holidaymail.