Ritchie: Help Me Collect "Christmas Cards For Our Troops”

State Senator Patty Ritchie is hoping you will join her in spreading some holiday cheer to our service men and women this Christmas by taking part in the “Christmas Cards for Our Troops” program.

The initiative—which is being organized through Albany’s Veterans Miracle Center—collects holiday cards, personally signed by donors, to distribute to members of the military at veterans’ hospitals, army installations and other locations to let them know they are remembered and appreciated during this special time of year.

“The holidays are when families come together and celebrate the ‘most wonderful time of the year.’ Unfortunately, it is a time many of our men and women in uniform often have to sacrifice,” Senator Ritchie said. “I hope you will join me in showing our heroes how much their service and sacrifices means, and that they will not be forgotten during the holiday season.”

This is the seventh year Senator Ritchie is teaming up with the Albany Veterans Miracle Center and Ogdensburg native and radio personality Melody Burns for the “Christmas Cards for Our Troops” program, which asks people to send personally signed greeting cards to Senator Ritchie’s office where they will then be delivered to both active duty troops and veterans.

Last year, Senator Ritchie collected more than 10,000 cards that were delivered to military members and veterans. The greetings—which were donated by local businesses, community groups, area students and families—helped the “Christmas Cards for Our Troops” program send more than 300,000 cards in all.

Since 2012, with the help of Central and Northern New Yorkers, Senator Ritchie has collected more than 60,000 for the program.

Those interested in participating in the program are asked to follow the guidelines below:

• Sign each card with your first name, city, state and a personal message if desired;
• Do not include envelopes;
• 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.

Once signed, cards must be sent to or dropped off at Senator Ritchie’s offices by November 9^th:

• Watertown: 317 Washington Street, Room 418, Watertown, NY 13601
• Oswego: 46 East Bridge Street, 1st Floor, Oswego, NY 13126
• Ogdensburg: 330 Ford St., Basement, Ogdensburg, NY 13669