WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today encourages South Jersey residents to send warm greetings to servicemen and women who will be unable to be home for the upcoming holiday season. The American Red Cross and U.S. Armed Forces have teamed up for the “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program to deliver holiday greetings from the United States to troops serving abroad.

“The ‘Holiday Mail for Heroes’ program provides an outstanding opportunity for South Jersey residents to let our servicemen and women know they are thought of, appreciated and missed during this holiday season,” said LoBiondo. “I applaud the partnership between the Red Cross and our Armed Forces and encourage every resident to take time to send a holiday card this season.”

All holiday cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10^th and mailed to:                              Holiday Mail for Heroes
                                                       PO Box 5456
                                          Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

The following guidelines for the program were established by the American Red Cross:

• All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
• If sending more than one card, please mail all cards together in one large shipping envelope. Cards sent in this manner do not need individual envelopes or postage.
• Please ensure that all cards are signed.
• Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” (Note: Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.)
• Please do not include personal information, like telephone numbers, email or home addresses.
• Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review process.
• Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, glitter, confetti, gift cards or calling cards. Any items inserted into cards will be removed during the reviewing process.

     Additional information can be found at www.redcross.org/email/saf/

           For South Jersey residents interested in sending phone cards or gift cards, please visit www.aafes.com and click the "AAFES Community Connection" for the "Help Our Troops Call Home" or "Gift Cards/Certificates for Our Troops" programs. The “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program cannot deliver phone or gift cards. Additionally, no “care packages” will be accepted by the American Red Cross. Those wishing to send care packages should visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.com