PRESQUE ISLE — The Red Cross is asking the public to help make the holidays brighter for those serving in the Armed Forces by signing a few cards at the Aroostook Centre Mall.
Each fall, during its Holiday Mail for Heroes program, Red Cross staff collect cards and distribute them at military installations, veterans’ hospitals, and in other locations.
The Presque Isle signing is Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sears in the Aroostook Centre Mall. The Red Cross is supplying the cards for the event, although people may also bring or make their own (see guidelines below).
“Sending a card to the women and men who serve our nation is a wonderful way to thank them for that service,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager for the Red Cross. “The holidays can be a lonely time when you’re away from home, and this is one way we try to brighten their days.”
Those unable to attend the signing on Saturday may send cards to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456.
Please observe the following guidelines to allow for a quick reviewing process:
• Ensure that all cards are signed.
• Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program.
• Only cards can be accepted. Do not send or include letters.
• Do not include e-mail or home addresses on the cards: the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, such as photos, as they will be removed during the reviewing process.
• Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured soldiers.
• If you are mailing a large quantity of cards, please bundle them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope, as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.
