Monday Motivation: Spreading Holiday Cheer Edition! @redcross Holiday Mail for Heroes Program!

I shared last night on Facebook about the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program, and wanted to provide additional details for those who asked for more information about the program. The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are joining together as part of the sixth annual Heroes Card Program. The Holiday Mail for Heroes Mailbox will be open until December 7th.

CARD SIGNING IDEAS:

Many members of the Armed Forces will be far away from home and loved ones during the holidays. Why not let them know their sacrifice is appreciated and gather folks together to sign cards and be part of the Holiday Mail program? Scouts could sign at their weekly meeting. Civic organizations could organize events in their communities. Businesses could provide cards for employees to sign. Sporting leagues could ask members to sign before the next game.

HOW IT WORKS:

Pitney Bowes will screen the cards for hazardous materials, sort and package them, contributing 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.

Mail Cards to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

RULES/Guidelines: 

To ensure that cards are delivered in time for the holidays, they must be postmarked no later than December 7. 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 available at redcross.org/holidaymail.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Ensure that all cards are signed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use generic salutations such as 'Dear Service Member' - Cards addressed to specific individuals will NOT be delivered.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Only cards are being accepted, do not send letters.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Do not include inserts, no photos or items.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Do not include your email or your home address on the actual card, the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Do not send cards with Glitter. Many of the cards are being delivered to military and veterans medical facilities and the glitter could interfere with a patient's recovery.

Get Social With it:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  -  You can connect with fellow card senders through Facebook at facebook.com/redcross and on Twitter @redcross using the hashtag #holidaymail.

The Red Cross relies on the support of the American people to carry out its mission of service to the 2 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 24 million veterans and their families. During this holiday season, people also can support all Red Cross services by making a financial donation at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Individuals can also give the gift of life by making an appointment to give blood at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I have not received any monetary compensation for sharing about this initiative!

Today's Words of Inspiration - Veteran's Day 2010

My Maternal Great-Grandfater was a decorated vet, he fought for this nation's freedom, and was proud to have done so. My mother was a war time volunteer in a local Army Navy Hospital when she was younger, and told me some amazing stories of the brave men she helped care for. My Maternal Grandmother was a nurse.

Every year on Veteran's Day I like to take time to pray for my Great-Grandfather, all heros of war, our military as a whole and of course for the un-known soldiers. While I can't make the trip out to Arlington, I do send my prayers to them and their families.

I make sure not to get wrapped up in debates today about War. To me, that's not the point of this day, (and the energy of the debate is just negative and counter-productive), it's to honor the men and women who sacrificed their time, and their lives so America could be free.

Va.Gov expressed it best:

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery . The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

The Veterans Day National Committee also selects a number of regional sites for Veterans Day observances throughout the country. From stirring parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes to distinguished veterans, these events serve as models for other communities to follow in planning their own observances.

There are various regional observances you may not be aware of, and can see a link to them at The Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Whether you went to work, or even if you have the day off, I hope you will take a moment to remember those who have fallen fighting for our freedom. If you haven't already done so, take a moment of silence, and make your affirmation for today 'I honor those who have fought to defend my freedom'.

Did any of my fellow New Yorkers attend the Parade today?
 

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙