Red Cross collecting care items for troops
Imagine being a U.S. service member stationed abroad, missing your friends and family every day, but especially during the holidays. A simple note from home can make a profound impact.
The American Red Cross Holiday For Heroes program is an annual campaign that serves as a way the community can send messages of thanks and holiday cheer to service members, veterans and military families.
North Central Ohio Chapter Executive Director Todd James said the program is easy to participate in. “Whether you make a card or buy a card, it just takes a moment to sign it and share your appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of the military and veteran community.” James said.
Individuals are asked to refrain from sending letters, monetary donations or any other inserts with the cards, and from using glitter.
Holiday care packages being sent overseas
As part of the Holiday For Heroes campaign, the Red Cross is collecting specific items to be distributed to armed forces personnel in Kuwait and Djibouti.
James said the list of items being collected comes straight from the troops. “The Red Cross has Service to the Armed Forces stations on these bases and our personnel who serve the troops provided a list of items that our brave men and women need and want. That’s the list we are using to fill the care packages,” James said.
Items needed include full-sized and travel-sized toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, body wash; feminine hygiene items such as pads and tampons; deodorant; body/foot powder; toothpaste; floss; tissues; shave gel (no aerosol cans); dice; books; board games; protein bars; candy; nuts; gum; beef sticks / jerky; cookies; crackers; ramen noodles; macaroni and cheese; handy meals (heat and serve that come in their own serving bowls); just add water foods such as muffin, cake, cookie, and bread mixes.
Cards and gift package items can be mailed or dropped off by Nov.18 to the Marion Red Cross office, 1849 Summerset Drive, Marion, OH 43302.