By KIM KOMDEUR
Kosciusko County American Red Cross

With the help of the Red Cross, Americans can send holiday cards with messages season’s greetings and holiday wishes to military members and veterans who cannot be with their families this season. The Holiday Mail for Heroes program runs until Nov. 26.

This year, card making and signing events can be done individually, as a family, in the classroom, or among club and youth group organizations. The collection site for the cards is the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce located at 523 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw. Cards can be dropped off through noon on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Additionally, there is no longer a national post office box to send completed cards. To participate in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, simply make the cards and deliver them to the Kosciusko Chamber. American Red Cross volunteers will distribute the cards to military members and veteran organizations locally, across the nation and overseas in the coming weeks.

“It just takes a moment to sign a card and share your appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of the military and veteran community.” said Kim Komdeur, Major Gift Officer. “With the localized focus on neighbors helping neighbors, this year’s program offers our community and our volunteers the flexibility to participate in a way that best suits our community.”

There will also be a card signing event on Saturday, Nov. 22, at North Webster’s Annual “Santa at the Center” event at the North Webster Community Center.

To ensure cards are delivered in time for the holidays, they must be delivered to the Kosciusko Chamber no later than noon Wednesday, Nov 26. Pick up by appointment can also be arranged by calling Komdeur at (574) 377-1116. Individuals are asked to refrain from sending letters; monetary donations; or any other inserts with the cards; as well as refrain from using glitter.

The Red Cross also invites the public to share photos and videos of card signing efforts or holiday greetings for troops by using the hashtag #HolidayMail on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vine. The Red Cross will feature the material on its social media channels throughout the holiday season, particularly through Facebook and Twitter 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. This holiday season, the public can also support all Red Cross services by making a financial donation at redcross.org or by calling (800) 733-2767. Individuals can also give the gift of life by making an appointment to give blood at redcrossblood.org or by calling the Red Cross.