Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Add Reply
Great Idea!
Topic Started: Nov 19 2008, 12:54 PM (273 Views)
The Punisher
Member Avatar

Just got this and wanted to share...

I thought this was a nice thing to do so I'm passing it along.
GREAT IDEA!! When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these
wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

If you approve, please pass it on.
:flagsmile:


Sorry… :oops:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp

It got past me the real address is:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Edited by The Punisher, Nov 19 2008, 01:22 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Rules
 
Yhitzak
Member Avatar

Wow. That *is* a great idea, TPP!

I just found out that you can order shipping supplies for free through the US Postal Service - things like customs forms and APO boxes. They also seem to be offering a shipping discount for boxes going to APO addresses:
http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/localnews/ca/ca_2008_0310.htm
Offline Profile Quote Post Rules
 
The Punisher
Member Avatar

Also have a shipping box that is really cheap, if it's going overseas to our troops, been sending them since the start...
Offline Profile Quote Post Rules
 
Rue
Member Avatar
Rue
The Punisher
Nov 19 2008, 12:54 PM
Just got this and wanted to share...

I thought this was a nice thing to do so I'm passing it along.
GREAT IDEA!! When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these
wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

If you approve, please pass it on.
:flagsmile:


Sorry… :oops:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp

It got past me the real address is:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp

The problem with it? The intended recipients will never see the cards sent in this manner. The U.S. Postal Service is not allowed to deliver letters or packages addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier," and the Walter Reed Medical Center is not allowed to accept any such parcels.

From a November 2007 statement on the Walter Reed Web site:

Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.

But all hope need not be lost. In early December 2007, Walter Reed posted an updated notice on their site announcing a partnership with the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Government Solutions through which you can send cards to wounded soldiers.


WASHINGTON, Monday, November 10, 2008 — The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc. are teaming up to send holiday cards to service men and women in the United States and around the world. From Tuesday, November 11 until Wednesday, December 10, the public is invited to send holiday cards with their message of thanks and cheer to a special post office box. The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes will then screen cards for hazardous materials, sort and package the cards, and deliver them to military bases and hospitals, veteran’s hospitals, and other locations during the holidays.

Holiday Mail For Heroes continues the Red Cross tradition of service to the armed forces, which includes handling emergency communications that link service members with their families back home, providing access to financial assistance from the military aid societies, counseling, referral to community resources and assistance to veterans. Pitney Bowes is providing all screening, packaging and shipping at no charge, as well as providing thousands of volunteer hours from employees around the country.

“This opportunity is such a great way for the public to personally support the military and say a special thank you for their service this holiday season,” said Gail McGovern, Red Cross President and CEO. “I’m especially proud that the Red Cross is able to be a part of this effort, and I hope everyone will take the time to join us and send an extra card for the military.”

In 2007 Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. approached the Red Cross to distribute thousands of holiday cards coming to the facility for wounded troops. The Red Cross reached out to Pitney Bowes to turn the project into a larger opportunity that could reach members of the military at other facilities. In all, nearly 600,000 cards were screened for hazardous materials, sorted, and delivered in 2007.

“Pitney Bowes is proud to be working with the American Red Cross again to help Americans extend their well wishes and gratitude to the heroes who serve and protect our country,” said Jon Love, President of Pitney Bowes Government Solutions. “Last year’s program was a huge success and we look forward to working with the public to reach even more wounded service members and their families this holiday season to show appreciation and support.”

Holiday cards should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Please be sure to affix adequate postage. Cards must be received no later than December 10. Cards received after this date will be returned to senders. To help speed the sorting process and delivery of cards and notes before the holidays, mailers are encouraged to refrain from sending “care packages,” monetary gifts, using glitter or including any other inserts. For a full list of recommended guidelines and best practices, please visit Redcross.org/holidaymail. Cards are also available to print out from the website, along with messages from Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Members Dr. Phil McGraw and Nancy O’Dell, co-anchor of Access Hollywood. You can also leave a message on the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Facebook Wall.



Medical center staff also ask that you consider making a donation to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families. They point to the "America Supports You" website, for a listing. They also recommend USOCares.org, To Our Soldiers and the American Red Cross.




Offline Profile Quote Post Rules
 
Rue
Member Avatar
Rue
Just a little explanation as to why the Walter Reed addy won't work.
Offline Profile Quote Post Rules
 
The Punisher
Member Avatar

Since we send boxes, I'm thinking that I'll go to the Walter REED site and see if I can find names of heroes, admitted...
Offline Profile Quote Post Rules
 
dumblonde
Member Avatar

I like to send phone cards to the troops via the USO. You can do it on line dead easy.
Offline Profile Quote Post Rules
 
The Punisher
Member Avatar

Another good idea....
Offline Profile Quote Post Rules
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · General Discussion · Next Topic »
Add Reply