This holiday season, the American Red Cross of North and Central Florida invites our community to help bring comfort, joy and a little piece of home to military members serving overseas and veterans in local hospitals and nursing homes.
Through Operation Holiday Cheer, donated items, holiday cards and notes of encouragement will be shared with members of our military and veteran community throughout the holiday season.
Donations and cards will be collected through November 18.
Every donation is more than an item in a care package. It’s a reminder to our military members and veterans that their service and sacrifice are remembered and appreciated—especially during the holidays.
A simple note can have a meaningful impact on the brave men and women who serve our country.
The Red Cross invites individuals, families, schools, businesses and community organizations to create cards of thanks, encouragement and holiday cheer for U.S. service members, veterans and military families.
Cards do not need to be addressed to a specific person. They may be hand-delivered, included in holiday care packages or shared with military members and veterans through Red Cross programs and community partners.
Use a generic greeting such as “Dear Service Member, Veteran or Military Family Member.” Write a heartfelt message of thanks, encouragement or holiday cheer. Please do not include glitter, money, photographs, gifts or other personal enclosures. No envelopes are needed, as cards will be reviewed before distribution.
Want to help but can’t make it to a collection site?
Purchase requested items from your favorite online retailer and have them shipped directly to one of our collection locations. It’s an easy way to help fill care packages and bring a little holiday cheer to those who have given so much in service to our country.
Prefer to donate in person? New, unopened items and holiday cards are accepted weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through November 18 at:
Northeast Florida Chapter
American Red Cross
751 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Tampa Bay Chapter
American Red Cross
3310 W. Main Street
Tampa, FL 33607
Whether you donate a care package item, write a holiday card or have supplies shipped directly to the Red Cross, your support helps ensure military members and veterans know they are remembered and appreciated this holiday season.