Ritchie: Nearly 8,000 Holiday Cards Collected for Troops

With the help of dozens of families, individuals, schools and local organizations, State Senator Patty Ritchie has sent nearly 8,000 cards to troops through the “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program.

Sponsored by the American Red Cross, Holiday Mail for Heroes collects holiday cards, personally signed by donors, to distribute to service members at military bases, veterans’ hospitals and other locations to let them know their sacrifices are appreciated by those back home. 

“During the holidays it’s so important to let the people who make a difference in our lives know we care—and that includes our troops,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I am so grateful that so many schools, local businesses, community groups, families and individuals took the time to participate in this very important program, which lets our troops and their families know that the tremendous sacrifices that they make have not gone unnoticed.”

2014 marks the third consecutive year Senator Ritchie has participated in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, where she has partnered with Ogdensburg native and radio personality Melody Burns to send warm wishes to troops during the Christmas season.  In total, throughout the three years, Central and Northern New Yorkers have helped Senator Ritchie collect nearly 18,000 cards for service members.

(Senator Ritchie is pictured in the attached photo on a visit to John F. Kennedy School in Ogdensburg, during which students presented her with cards for the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.)