American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Launch Holiday Mail for Heroes to Send One Million Cards to Service Members

Red Cross, Pitney Bowes Encourage Public to Send a Touch of Home to Service Men and Women

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc. today launched the 2010 Holiday Mail for Heroes program to make sure military members, veterans, and their families have a festive holiday season.

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This Fall, Americans all over the country will have an opportunity to help continue the program's success and reach the goal of one million holiday cards.  Any member of the general public can send greeting cards to be distributed to members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans during the 2010 holiday season.  Cards will be accepted through December 10.

The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are also encouraging families, schools, youth, civic groups, scouting troops, places of worship, and other groups that are interested in participating in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program to organize and host card-making events.  For a list of tips and ideas, please visit: www.redcross.org/holidaymail.

This is the fourth year that the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have held the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.  More than three million cards have been distributed during the first three years of the campaign.

"Even in this day of e-mail and e-cards, handwritten messages are the most personal way for Americans to express their gratitude to those who sacrifice for our nation," said Sherri Brown, senior vice president, Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces.  "Each year, those who receive the cards tell us they are touched by the heartfelt messages from people they've never met."

Pitney Bowes receives cards and messages at the special Holiday Mail 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 around the country.

"Holiday Mail for Heroes enables Americans from all walks of life to send holiday greetings to the dedicated, hard working members of our armed forces, including active military members, hospitalized veterans, and their families," said Vicki O'Meara, executive vice president and president of Pitney Bowes Management Services.  "When it comes to sending holiday thanks and appreciation to those defending our freedom, every card counts, and we are encouraging the public and our customers to help be an important part of this worthy effort."

People are invited to send a message of thanks and holiday cheer from now until December 10 by mailing them to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456.

For reasons of processing and safety, participants are asked to refrain from sending "care packages," monetary gifts, using glitter or including any inserts with the cards.  For more information and card requirements, please visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail.

Additional ways to become involved with the campaign include connecting with fellow card senders through Facebook at www.facebook.com/redcross and Twitter at www.twitter.com/redcross using the hashtag #HMFH.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

About Pitney Bowes:

Celebrating its 90th year of innovation, Pitney Bowes provides software, hardware and services that integrate physical and digital communications channels. Long known for making its customers more productive, Pitney Bowes is increasingly helping other companies grow their business. Pitney Bowes is a $5.6 billion company and employs 33,000 worldwide. Pitney Bowes: Every connection is a new opportunity™. www.pb.com

SOURCE American Red Cross