Southern California (Oct. 27, 2025) - This holiday season, the American Red Cross Southern California Region invites community members to spread joy to service members, veterans, and military families. As part of Holidays for Heroes, holiday cards and banners are being collected, and through Operation Holiday Cheer, items are needed to build care packages for deployed service members spending the holidays away from home.

“As a Marine Corps veteran, I understand the challenges of being away from home during the holidays. That’s why we’re inviting the community to help share joy and gratitude with those who serve,” said Dan Beighley, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services Director for the American Red Cross Southern California Region. “Whether you’re able to write holiday cards or donate items for care packages, you’re making a significant difference for service members this holiday season.”

HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES Help spread holiday cheer to service members, veterans, and military families by sending messages of support and thanks through the Red Cross Holidays for Heroes program. The Red Cross is currently accepting cards and large banners that will be distributed to service members and families near and far.

Cards and banners will be delivered to military units, family groups, the VA and military hospitals, and veteran organizations throughout Southern California and overseas. The deadline for submitting cards and banners is Friday, December 12, 2025. Click here for card and banner guidelines and delivery instructions.

OPERATION HOLIDAY CHEER Through Operation Holiday Cheer, the Red Cross is collecting donations to build care packages that will be delivered to service members spending the holidays far from home. With a goal of sending 1,000 care packages, you can help by donating items to spread gratitude to service members abroad.

Items that can be donated in support of Operation Holiday Cheer include individually wrapped food and snack items, and travel-sized personal hygiene items. The deadline for donating items is Friday, November 14, 2025. Click here for the donation wish list and delivery instructions.

SUPPORTING THE MILITARY COMMUNITY YEAR AROUND The American Red Cross has supported military members and families for well over a century. Today, we continue to care for the humanitarian needs of the U.S. military community from the time a service member takes the oath when they navigate life as a veteran. For more information about Red Cross services for military members, veterans and military families, please visit redcross.org/military.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/SoCal or cruzrojaamericana.org, or connect with the Southern California Region on social media.

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