Program sends mail to heroes

 For the fifth year, the American Red Cross has joined Pitney Bowes to deliver holiday greetings to service members, their families and veterans throughout the holiday season.

Called Holiday Mail for Heroes, the program offers Americans the chance to send a holiday card with messages of cheer and appreciation for distribution to military bases and hospitals, veterans hospitals and other location during the holidays.

The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes will screen cards for hazardous materials, sort and package the cards for delivery in November and December.

“All you need is a pen and piece of paper to share your appreciation of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make each day in their service to our country,” said Kevin Murszewski, Service to Armed Forces Volunteer Liaison.

“We are encouraging schools, church groups, organizations and individuals to participate in this program and help us reach a goal of creating 15,000 cards statewide.”

Holiday greetings should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Cards need to be postmarked no later than Dec. 9. For safety and processing, organizers ask people not to send care packages, monetary gifts or cards with glitter or inserts.