Holiday Cheer to be Spread for Service Members, Military Families

SAN BERNARDINO>> The American Red Cross Serving San Bernardino County is encouraging locals to give something that means something this holiday season through their Holidays for Heroes program. “Military deployments, training and hospital stays mean many service members may be separated from their families, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year,” said Gene Coughlin, Regional Service to the Armed Forces Director. Because of this, Holiday Mail for Heroes is now becoming Holidays for Heroes. This change allows local Red Cross chapters to identify and engage in a variety of activities, in addition to card collecting, that thank and recognize members of the military and veterans living in the communities not only during the traditional holidays season, but all year-round. This year, the American Red Cross Serving San Bernardino County is accepting cards, posters and banners that will be distributed to service members and families in the local military and veteran community. “Making cards, posters or banners is something special we can do for those who have served and continue to serve. Families, schools, libraries and more have all participated in the past and continue to do so today,” Coughlin said. “Other ideas include hosting card-making events with friends, neighbors or colleagues. It’s such a simple thing to do, but is fun and easy for everyone.” CARD, POSTER AND BANNER REQUIREMENTS For card, poster and banners, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to get creative. However, there are a few guidlines such as not using glitter to decorate. If you would like to make a card, they ask that you do don’t include anything inside like gift cards or trinkets. Just send messages of support and well-wishes. Cards, posters and banners will be distributed to service members, military installations, VA and military hospitals, veteran’s organizations and to military families throughout the region. American Red Cross said it is best to address cards and banners “Dear Service Member, Dear Veteran or Dear Military Family” because those can be shared with nearly everyone in the military community. Cards, posters and banners must be mailed or delivered to the following locations no later than Dec. 9. For San Bernardino County, including Fort Irwin, please mail to Holidays for Heroes Attn: Scott Brown to 202 W. Rialto Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92408. For Riverside County, including Twentynine Palms and Coachella Valley/Morongo Basin, please mail to Holidays for Heroes Attn: Courtney Norton to 39-665 Entrepreneur Lane, Suite A Palm Desert, CA 92211.