HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES BY THE RED CROSS HELPS LOCAL MILITARY COMMUNITIES


By bblouin
During holidays for heroes the red cross is sending holiday greeting cards to recovering service members.

It’s hard to argue that the Red Cross remains one of the most iconic charities in the United States. This holiday season, if you’re looking to give back to the Veteran community, the charity has the perfect opportunity to do so. Known as Holidays for Heroes, the idea is to spread holiday cheer for the military community. This includes Veterans, active duty service members, and of course, their families. From deployment, to PCSing, to those dealing with the ultimate sacrifice, there are a lot of emotions that can mixed up throughout the holiday season. The Red Cross Holidays for Heroes program is a great way to lift spirits during this potentially difficult time. Suggested read: Get Your Disney Military Discount and Create Magic in 2024

What Is the Holidays for Heroes Program From the American Red Cross?

The Holidays for Heroes program is a way to give back to the military community. Organized by the American Red Cross, the idea is to spread holiday cheer through cards and activities. In 2023, and moving forward, some important changes are coming to the program. For starters, the Holidays for Heroes by Red Cross is no longer just a program to collect holiday cards for deployed military members. Sadly, this means that there is not a national P.O. Box related to the program. You can still provide cards but you’ll want to contact your local Red Cross chapter with how they wish to receive them. Additionally, each Red Cross location is going to have its own deadline and way of celebrating. Now, there are plenty of events conducted at the local level which varies from location to location. The main reason for changing the American Red Cross Holidays for Heroes program is to reach more of the military community. There are fewer military members deployed overseas, and this is allowing the program to evolve in this changing landscape. It’s also an opportunity to give back in a more specific way. By providing community events and giving back through local Red Cross locations, not only is a stronger community fostered but needs are better met by each.

Reaching Out During the Holidays

Sending holiday cheer via a card is an easy way to show appreciation to the military community. Sadly, this can be quite difficult to actually achieve. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that there are new ways of connecting with the military community. This is why the changes made to the Holidays for Heroes program are so exciting. They allow the Red Cross, and others, to reach the community more effectively. However, you can also give back without going through any organization. Chances are, you know someone either serving in the military or a Veteran who already has. Reaching out to loved ones and members in your community you already know can go a long way. If you know someone who is going to be alone for the holidays, sending them a plate of food, inviting them over, providing a small gift, or any other appropriate, kind gesture is going to go a long way. Ultimately, it’s not about what you celebrate but rather that you show kindness during the holiday season. Related read: A Service Member's Ultimate Guide To PCSmyPOV

Miss the Holidays for Heroes Deadline? You Can Still Get Involved

There are different deadlines for each program, but if you do miss your local’s cut-off date, you can still get involved. The option to become a volunteer is always available, which is how the American Red Cross gets 90% of its workforce. Obviously, serving the military community is important, but the Red Cross has events helping all sorts of communities all year long. The Holidays for Heroes program continues to be a great way to give back and spread joy. Furthermore, it lets the military community know that we’re all thinking about them throughout the season. Read next: Who Wrote All I Want for Christmas? (Answer May Surprise You)


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