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 local collection site for cards is the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, 523 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw. Cards can be dropped off through noon on Nov. 26. Pick-up by appointment can also be arranged by calling Kim 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. Additionally, there is no longer a national post office box to send completed cards to. 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, local Red Cross 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 Nov. 22 at North Webster’s Annual “Santa at the Center” event at the North Webster Community Center. 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.
