Ritchie: Help Me Send Holiday Greetings to Troops

Offices to Feature Drop Boxes for “Holiday Mail for Heroes” Program

State Senator Patty Ritchie is once again calling on Central and Northern New Yorkers to join her in sending warm wishes to troops through the “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program. 

An initiative sponsored by the American Red Cross, Holiday Mail for Heroes collects holiday cards, personally signed by donors, to distribute to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines at military bases, veterans’ hospitals and other locations to let them know they are remembered and appreciated back home. Last year, along with help from local residents, schools and other organizations, Senator Ritchie was able to deliver nearly 8,000 cards to the Red Cross. 

“When someone thinks of the holiday season, spending time with family and friends are two of the top things that typically come to mind,” said Senator Ritchie.  “In addition to putting their lives on the line to serve our country, members of the military make another big sacrifice—being away from their loved ones at this special time of year. To send a “touch of home” to our troops, I’m hoping that Central and Northern New Yorkers once again take the time to participate in this very important program.”

Senator Ritchie is once again partnering with Ogdensburg-native and radio host Melody Burns to collect holiday greetings for troops.  Last year, with the help of Senator Ritchie and others across the state, 70,000 cards were sent to members of the military.

In order to participate, the below guidelines must be followed:

·       Do not include envelopes;

·       Do not include personal letters, photos or inserts of any kind;

·       Include your name/organization’s name and address with each bundle of cards;

·       Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member,” as cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program; and

·       Avoid cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.

Cards must be sent or dropped off to any of Senator Ritchie’s District Offices in Watertown (317 Washington St.), Oswego (46 E. Bridge St.), or Ogdensburg (330 Ford St., City Hall basement). All cards must be received by November 15, 2014.