Everybody likes to get a little Christmas cheer, especially those who are far away from home. This includes many troops who are serving overseas who would be grateful for any reminder of home.

The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, Inc. are teaming up to provide a way to send Christmas cards to mem-

bers of the military and their families in the United States and around the world.

From now until Dec. 10, the public may send any cards to the following address: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456.

“I want to thank everybody for participating in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program,”

said Betty Byrd, director of the American Red Cross, Chilton County Branch. “We’re looking for a large turnout from this county to support our military personnel.”

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.

“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 Jackie Buck, CEO of American Red Cross of Central Alabama. “This is 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.”

This holiday effort continues Red Cross support of our military. By Congressional mandate, the organization serves as the communications link for military personnel and their families in its 13-county jurisdiction whenever an emergency arises. This past year, the Red Cross served 844 servicemen and women and their families when birth, death or critical illnesses made it necessary to verify information and connect those families with their loved ones who serve in the military.

Please 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 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.