SANTA ROSA, Calif. – The American Red Cross encourages people to send holiday cards through the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program before the post office box closes on Dec. 6.

During the holiday season, this Red Cross program delivers tens of thousands of cards to service members, veterans and their families at military hospitals and installations across the country and around the world.

The Red Cross has received and distributed more than 6.5 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006.

“So many members of our military find themselves far from loved ones during the holiday season, and a message of support helps bring a touch of home to our troops wherever they are,” said Sherri L. Brown, senior vice president, Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces.

Whether handmade or purchased, Americans can send cards postmarked no later than Dec. 6 to ensure they are delivered in time for the holidays.

All holiday greetings should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

The Red Cross relies on the support of the American people to carry out its mission of service to the two 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 www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

Individuals also can give the gift of life by making an appointment to give blood at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.