Holiday Cards and Gifts for Troops ...
Where to Send Them to Make Someone Smile
by www.SixWise.com
Would you like to send a holiday card to an American service member, veteran or their family in the United States and around the world?
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When you're writing your holiday cards this year, take a minute to address one to a service member, then mail it to the address below.
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The American Red Cross has partnered with Pitney Bowes to deliver 1 million holiday cards as part of their "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program.
To participate, mail the card to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Some important guidelines to keep in mind:
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All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008.
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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.
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Please ensure that you sign your cards and use generic salutations such as "Dear Service Member."
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Do not include personal information like your home address or email, and do not enclose any letters or other inserts (including photos, glitter, confetti, etc).
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All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts.
Thinking of Sending a Phone Card, Gift Card or Care Package?
Because of security concerns, calling cards and other items cannot be included with holiday cards. However, you can send your gifts using the following information:
Be Careful of E-mail Scams!
Be wary of e-mail solicitations encouraging you to send holiday cards addressed to "Any Soldier" or something similar. The United States Postal Service and military hospitals cannot accept mail addressed in such a way because of security concerns, so the cards will either be returned to the sender or donated to a charity.
This includes a common e-mail urging you to send cards to "A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center." The Walter Reed Army Medical Center will not accept cards addressed to "Any Soldier" because of safety concerns.
The only way to have a card or donation reach our soldiers is to go through an organization such as the Red Cross' Holiday Mail for Heroes program.
Recommended Reading
The Danger of E-Cards ... What to Beware of Before You Open E-Greeting Cards!
The Benefits of Giving to Charity: What to Teach Children (and Refresh Yourself On, Especially In These Tough Economic Times)
Sources
American Red Cross: Holiday Mail for Heroes
Snopes.com