Holland,
Nov 20 -
Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) is encouraging West Michigan communities to keep our servicemen and women, as well as, our nation's veterans in their hearts this holiday season by taking part in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Now in its sixth year, Holiday Mail for Heroes provides Americans across the nation with the opportunity to extend holiday greetings and well wishes to our men and women in uniform. Last year alone, the Red Cross distributed over 1 million cards for service members, veterans, and their families around the world.
"As the holidays quickly approach, it is important to remember our men and women in uniform who are separated from their loved ones," said Huizenga. "This year, Pitney Bowes and the Red Cross have once again teamed up to provide an invaluable service to our veterans and current servicemen and women. West Michigan is known for its generosity, gratitude, and willingness to lend a helping hand. I encourage everyone in the Second District to join me in thanking our heroes and letting them know they are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers this holiday season."
Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes, reviewed by Red Cross volunteers and then distributed throughout military installations, veterans hospitals, and other locations across the globe.
Please observe the following guidelines established by the Red Cross to ensure a quick reviewing process:
• Ensure that all cards are signed.
• Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program.
• Only cards are being accepted. Do not send or include letters.
• Do not include email or home addresses on the cards: the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos: these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
• Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.
• If you are mailing a large quantity of cards, please bundle them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope, as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.
Congressman Huizenga will be collecting cards at his office in Holland until December 4th. For those who wish to drop off cards or mail them to the Holland Office the address is:
184 S. River Ave.
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 395-0030
If you would prefer to reach out to Holiday Mail for Heroes directly, cards can be mailed to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
To learn more about Holiday Mail for Heroes click
HERE.
