Central and Northern New Yorkers Send More Than 2,200 Holiday Greetings to Troops

Senator Ritchie Partners with Radio Host, American Red Cross for ‘Holiday Mail for Heroes’

Central and Northern New Yorkers have donated more than 2,200 holiday cards to State Senator Patty Ritchie’s offices for distribution to service members at military installations, veterans hospitals and other locations around the world through the American Red Cross program “Holiday Mail for Heroes.” 

Earlier this holiday season, Senator Ritchie partnered with Ogdensburg native and radio personality Melody Burns to enlist the public’s support for  the initiative.   

“I want to thank Melody for working with me to make sure our heroes, like the members of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, are remembered during the holidays,”  said Senator Ritchie.

“Thanks to Senator Ritchie and the people of Northern and Central New York, we were able to set a new record this year,” said Burns, who hosts a daily radio show on Talk 1300 AM WGDJ in Albany.

Together, Senator Ritchie and Melody Burns collected more than 6,000 holiday greetings for service members.  Last year, Burns collected 1,000 cards.

Senator Ritchie's offices received cards from schools, veterans posts and individuals in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties; as well as donations from as far away as Missouri. 

“I want to thank all of the students, teachers, veterans and families who have worked with me to make this program such a success,” said Senator Ritchie. “I think it’s vitally important that we remember the men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedom. The holidays can be a lonely time when you are far from home.”

Students from Central Square Central School District, Granby Elementary School, Fairgrieve Elementary, School, Palermo Elementary School, Phoenix School District, New Haven Elementary School, Ogdensburg’s Madill Elementary School and Lisbon Central School all donated greetings. 

Veterans from Lisbon’s American Legion Post 1342 and the Ogdensburg AmVets also took part in the program.