The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc. are teaming up to send holiday cards to members of the military and their families in the United States and around the world.

Until Wednesday, Dec. 10, the public is invited to send holiday cards with their message of thanks and cheer to a special post office box. The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes will then screen cards for hazardous materials, sort and package the cards, and deliver them to military bases, veteran’s hospitals and military hospitals during the holidays.

Last year, the effort garnered more than 600,000 cards for wounded service men and women. With the expansion of the program the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes hope to collect more than one million cards and holiday greetings. “Holiday Mail For Heroes” continues the Red Cross tradition of service to the armed forces.

“From the front lines to the home front, for more than 125 years, the American Red Cross has provided care and assistance to service members, their families and Veterans,” said Tim Miller, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross for Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. “This is a way for every member of the public to lift the spirits of military members, their families and veterans during this holiday season. It’s as easy as signing your name.”

Headquartered in Santa Rosa, local Service to the Armed Forces volunteers provide round-the-clock emergency communications to service members and their families. Using a worldwide network, the local volunteers’ verification of emergencies such as a birth or death often make the difference between a service member being granted leave or not. The volunteers also assist with tracing of family members separated by war, natural disaster and the Holocaust.

“Pitney Bowes is proud to be working with the American Red Cross again to help Americans extend their well wishes and gratitude to the heroes who serve and protect our country,” said Jon Love, president of Pitney Bowes Government Solutions. “Last year’s program was a huge success and we look forward to working with the public to reach even more wounded service members and their families this holiday season to show appreciation and support.”

Holiday cards should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

The community is asked to use only the above address and NOT to send cards to the Red Cross. They should be sure to affix adequate postage. Cards must be received no later than Dec. 10. Cards received after this date will be returned to senders.

To help speed the sorting process and delivery of cards and notes before the holidays, mailers are encouraged to refrain from sending “care packages,” monetary gifts, using glitter or including any other inserts.

For a full list of recommended guidelines and best practices, please visit www.Redcross.org/holidaymail.

Cards are also available to print out from the Web site, along with messages from Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Members Dr. Phil McGraw and Nancy O’Dell, co-anchor of Access Hollywood.

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