Pitney Bowes Inc. and the American Red Cross are offering a new online option to send a card to a military member or veteran, as the Stamford-based company renews its sponsorship of the Holiday Mail for Heroes drive.
Under the program, Americans can send holiday greetings to members of the U.S. Armed Forces through Dec. 9. Since it was introduced in 2007, some 3.5 million cards have been sent.
Stamford-based Pitney Bowes receives cards at a Maryland post office box and screens all items for hazardous materials; Red Cross volunteers across the United States then sort and deliver the cards throughout the holiday season. Pitney Bowes screens, packages and ships the cards at no charge, and contributes thousands of volunteer hours at sites nationwide.
This year, Simon Property Group will be offering additional collection sites at its malls throughout the country, including three in Westchester County ”“ the Galleria at White Plains, the Westchester in White Plains and the Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights.
Information on the program can be found online at redcross.org/holidaymail.
“Of the two million service members, tens of thousands will find themselves away from home during this holiday season, and others are close to home but desperately need an emotional and spiritual boost,” said Gail McGovern, Red Cross CEO.
Pitney Bowes has also created an online, card-making feature that allows Americans to send a card with a personal message of thanks and holiday cheer to a service member for $1. The new website, mailforheroes.com, offers four holiday card designs that will remain accessible until Dec. 9.
Traditional cards can be sent via mail to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Pitney Bowes and the Red Cross are asking participants to send cards without envelopes. Participants are also asked:
Ӣ not to send letters or care packages containing goods or monetary gifts;
Ӣ not to send items with glitter, card inserts or photos;
Ӣ to ensure that cards are signed;
”¢ use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program.;
Ӣ not to include email or home addresses on the cards;
Ӣ to limit the number of cards submitted to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one group; and
Ӣ if mailing a large quantity, to bundle cards and place them in a large mailing envelope.
