How to Send Holiday Wishes to Soldiers

Families at Home, Abroad Need Simple Holiday Cheer

Dec 5, 2008 Melissa Kucirek

Operation Homefront, the American Cross and Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson are just a few of the avenues to take in bringing holiday messages to military families.

Ever think about what happens with a soldier’s spouse is at home, trying to hold down the home fort, and the car dies. Who takes care of it when that spouse is serving in another state, or another country? Who is there to maybe help with the tardy electric bill? What about a friendly voice, just to talk to?

Operation Homefront

“We are a conduit,” Vivian Dietrich, of the Operation Homefront DC Metro Chapter, said. “We provide services and morale for military members and their families when they are serving in the theater, we want them to focus on their mission. We help resolve some of the emergencies at home. We are also there for wounded warriors when they return.”

Operation Homefront, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has more than 30 chapters nationwide. Among its accomplishments:

• Charity Navigator’s 4-Star rating for conscientious stewardship.
• More than $5 million donated to military families in crisis.
• Delivered more than 20,000 care packages to soldiers abroad.
• Delivered more than 2,500 packages to military families at home.
• Operate at only on 8 percent overhead; 92 cents of every dollar raised directly supports those in need.

Dietrich said that every day items—gas cards, groceries, clothes—all go a very long way for families in need. Soldiers abroad receive care packages quite a bit, but artwork and letters from children are especially meaningful. As does a simple ‘thank you.’

“Especially with the older veterans,” she said. “Nothing but ‘saw your hat and wanted to say thank you for your service.’ Monetary donations are huge, but that personal side, that thank you in person is worth its weight in gold.”

If someone would like to donate a general gift, if they do not know anyone in the military, but still would like a soldier to receive something, Operation Homefront works with units to make sure this is accomplished.

“We work with the commanding officers, and get word that there might be someone in the group that isn’t getting as much, or doesn’t expect anything at all,” Dietrich said. “You can just send us the package and put ‘warrior’ if they like.

“I think there’s a real passion for soldiers and to say thank you. We also want their families to know we’re here.”

American Red Cross

For the second year, the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have teamed for Holiday Mail for Heroes, with the goal of reaching more than one million cards and holiday greetings.

“From the front lines to the home front, for more than 125 years, the American Red Cross has provided care and assistance to service members, their families and Veterans,” said Tina Price, CEO of the Heartland Chapter, in a press release. “This is a way for every member of the public to lift the spirits of military members, their families and veterans during this holiday season. It’s as easy as signing your name.”

Holiday cards should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Danelle Schlegelmilch, Heartland Chapter Director of Public Relations, added that only cards are being accepted. Other instructions:

• All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
• If sending more than one card, mail all cards together in one large shipping envelope. Cards sent in this manner do not need individual envelopes or postage.
• Ensure all cards are signed.
• Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.”
• Do not include personal information, like email or home addresses.
• Do not send letters.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, glitter, confetti, gift cards or calling cards. Any items inserted into cards will be removed during the reviewing process.
• All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums.

Schlegelmilch said that missing the December 10 deadline doesn't mean the opportunity to support troops and families has passed.

“They can always support the troops and their families through out the year by volunteering with the Red Cross's Services to Armed Forces Programs,” she said.

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb.

America’s warriors abroad are being connected to Nebraskans via the Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., website. Constituents and visitors can post an online message, photo or video, through January 9, 2009.

Physical cards and letters can be sent to Nelson’s Washington office: M3720 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Attn: Clay Westrope.

The copyright of the article How to Send Holiday Wishes to Soldiers in Entertaining is owned by Melissa Kucirek. Permission to republish How to Send Holiday Wishes to Soldiers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sending a simple note can make a huge difference.

Support the whole warrior family