With help from supporters, volunteers and sponsors, the American Red Cross delivers holiday cards to those serving in active-duty as well as veterans within the United States and around the world. In 2011, more than 1.35 million cards went to troops deployed overseas and stationed locally, stated Red Cross St. Louis communications specialist Denise Nazzaro
This year, partnering with the St. Louis Rams, the St. Louis Red Cross Area Chapter hopes to collect 25,000 signed cards, she said.
Through Nov. 30, people can drop off signed cards at most local Hardees restaurants, BP stations and any Red Cross office. The Red Cross will collect the cards and send them to Washington, DC, to be screened and shipped to various U.S. and international military locations. Cards from around the world will be shipped here to the St. Louis area.
Local Holiday Mail for Heroes Events:
- Card Signing Event, Nov. 17, St. Louis Galleria
- Card Signing Event, Nov. 18, Rams Home Game at Edward Jones Dome
- Rams/Red Cross Blood Drive, Nov. 27, The Heights Recreation Center in Richmond Heights
Rams defensive end Chris Long is scheduled to appear at the blood drive on Nov. 27.
The Red Cross Service to Armed Forces program has provided humanitarian support to the U.S. military, veterans and their families for nearly 130 years, said Nazzaro.
