MERIDIAN —     The American Red Cross Mississippi Region encourages citizens to send a card of support to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families this holiday season.

    Whether handmade or purchased, simple words of gratitude carry a great deal of meaning for the men and women who serve our country, especially when deployments or hospital stays keep them far from home during the holiday season, officials said.

    Leslie Pitre, with regional service to the Armed Forces Manager, said: “Since 2006, we’ve distributed more than 4.7 million cards to members of the Armed Forces, and we hope fellow Mississippians will help us continue this tradition.”

    Pitney Bowes scans the cards to ensure safety and security, and Red Cross volunteers then sort and deliver them to service members, veterans and their families across the country and around the world.

    In celebration of the program this year, the five Red Cross chapters in the state will be holding card making events throughout the Mississippi Region. The chapters are also recruiting volunteers to help distribute cards to military members and veterans in the community around the holidays. To locate the nearest community card making event, visit www.mississippi-redcross.org.

    Cards must be postmarked by Friday, Dec. 7; the Red Cross cannot guarantee delivery of any cards after this date. For a full list of program guidelines, visit redcross.org/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.

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

Holiday greetings for U.S. Armed Forces members should be addressed and sent to:

    Holiday Mail for Heroes

    P.O. Box 5456

    Capitol Heights, MD

             20791-5456