Tulsa -

The American Red Cross is teaming up with Pitney Bowes, Inc. to deliver holiday cards to service members, their families and veterans, many of whom will be far from home this holiday season.

The Holiday Mail For Heroes program is entering its third year. It allows Americans the opportunity to extend holiday greetings and thanks to servicemembers and veterans.

Between November 16th and December seventh, the public is invited to send holiday cards with messages of cheer and appreciation.

The cards will be screened for hazardous materials, sorted and delivered to military bases and hospitals, veterans hospitals and other locations. The screening, packaging and shipping is done at no charge thanks to Pitney Bowes.

The Red Cross will utilize hundreds of volunteers to sort and box the cards for delivery.

"It's an honor for our community to show our appreciation and help make the holidays special for our American heroes," said Rick Thomas, Emergency Services Program Coordinator, Tulsa Area Chapter. "For over 125 years, the volunteers of the American Red Cross has served and supported members of the military, veterans, and their families by providing emergency communications, comfort and assistance 24 hours a day, every day. The Holiday Mail for Heroes program continues the Red Cross tradition of service to the armed forces."

"The men and women who serve our country in uniform deserve our thanks every single day, and sending just one card is all it takes to make a difference in the life of one of our nation's heroes," said Jon Love, President of Pitney Bowes Government Solutions.  "We are honored to participate in this important initiative again with the American Red Cross and look forward to helping the public say happy holidays and thank you."

Holiday cards should be addressed and with correct postage, sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Cards need to be received no later than December seventh. Those received after the date will be returned. For reasons of processing and safety, care packages, money, glitter or any inserts should not be included with the cards.

For a full list of recommended guidelines, visit http://www.redcross.org/holidaymail.

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