Again this year you may see a Facebook post advising you to send holiday cards to "Any Wounded Soldier" at Walter Reed Hospital...unfortunately that information is outdated.

The good news is, there IS a way to send some holiday cheer to our nation's veterans and active duty members of the armed forces.

The Holiday Mail for Heroes program has become Holidays for Heroes for 2016, courtesy of the American Red Cross.

Soldiers serving overseas at Christmas
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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There are some important guidelines to remember when sending holiday cards for this program:

  • Address your cards to “service member” or “veteran.”
  • Write a note! (But be sure to keep your message positive and upbeat.)
  • Avoid cards containing glitter.
  • Do not enclose any items with your holiday cards. Any items enclosed will be removed.
  • Include your name and generic information about where you’re from, but do not include additional personal information such as email, phone number or specific address.
  • Do not put cards in individual envelopes, as they cannot be accepted. (For example, if you are sending 20 cards, don't put each one in a blank envelope before putting them all in a larger envelope to be mailed out to the Red Cross address below. If you are sending just one card, obviously put that in a regular envelope addressed to the Red Cross.)

Keep in mind, the deadline for dropping off or mailing your cards is November 30, 2016!

The best part about this program is that the cards sent out in NJ will go to veterans and military servicemen and women right here in our state.

You can drop off your cards at any participating Red Cross office. You can also mail them:

American Red Cross House
Holiday Mail for Heroes
6051 Doughboy Loop
JB MDL, NJ 08640

There is no longer one national address to send all the cards, so if you're not in New Jersey, contact your local Red Cross chapter to see if they are participating in the Holidays for Heroes program! Find your local chapter by clicking HERE.

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