PARKERSBURG — The American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley is encouraging participation in the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign.

The annual campaign affords individuals, families, schools, youth, civic groups, scouting troops, places of worship, corporations and community groups an opportunity to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer to members of the military, veterans and their families. Local Red Cross offices will collect, sort and distribute the holiday cards.

“Holiday Mail for Heroes enables our community to send holiday greetings to the dedicated, hardworking military members, veterans and their families. It just takes a moment to sign a card to share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the military community make,” said Sharon Kesselring, executive director of American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley. “With the large population of veterans in our area this allows you to say thank you and spread holiday cheer to those who have given so much”

Among guidelines:

* Sign all cards.

* Use generic salutations such as Dear Service Member, Dear Veteran or Dear Military Member. Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program.

* Only cards are being accepted. Do not send or include letters or envelopes.

* Do not include email or home addresses on the cards: the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.

* Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos: these items will be removed during the reviewing process.

* Refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues.

* Red Cross offices are closed to the public due to COVID-19 safety restrictions. Call 304 488-5279 to make drop-off arrangements.

* All cards must be received by noon Nov. 20.

For more information, visit redcross.org/holidaymail or call 304 488-5279.