JACKSONVILLE, FL – October 31, 2025 – The American Red Cross of North and Central Florida has launched its annual Holiday for Heroes campaign, proudly sponsored by Patriot Rail, inviting the community to help bring comfort, care, and cheer to military members, veterans, and their families this holiday season.

Through this heartfelt initiative, volunteers lovingly hand-sew holiday stockings, filling them with snacks and comfort items generously donated by community members. The stockings are then delivered to troops deployed overseas and to veterans in local hospitals and nursing homes, serving as a reminder that their service and sacrifices are deeply appreciated during the holidays.

“For many of our heroes, the holidays can be a difficult time away from home or family,” said Christian Smith, CEO of the American Red Cross North & Central Florida Region. “Holiday for Heroes is one way we can show gratitude and let them know their service and sacrifices are never forgotten.”

It’s also a great way for companies to get employees involved and for schools to engage students in a meaningful community service project that spreads kindness and holiday cheer. Cards of thanks and encouragement are welcome as well—store-bought or handmade.

Card Guidelines:
 

• Use generic greetings such as “Dear Service Member, Veteran, or Military Family Member.”
• Please avoid glitter or personal enclosures (like money, photos, or gifts).
• No envelopes are needed: Cards will be screened before delivery.

The Red Cross is collecting items through November 17 to ensure timely delivery to service members and veterans. Requested donations include individually packaged snacks, protein bars, games, headphones, personal care items, and small holiday treats such as cookie kits and candy. Items and cards may be dropped off at any Red Cross office in the North & Central Florida Region, where volunteers will screen and distribute them to troops and veterans.

For a full wish list and office locations, visit redcross.org/holiday4heroes.

About Holiday for Heroes
Holiday for Heroes is an annual initiative of the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, made possible by community donations and volunteer support. Each year, thousands of care packages and cards are distributed to service members, veterans, and military families across the country and around the world.

About the American Red Cross of North and Central Florida 
The American Red Cross of North and Central Florida including the U.S. Virgin Islands serves 49 Florida counties through seven chapters: Northeast Florida (Jacksonville), Central Florida Coast (Orlando, Daytona Beach), Capital Area (Tallahassee), Northwest Florida (Pensacola, Panama City), North Central Florida (Gainesville), Tampa Bay; and the Virgin Islands territory of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. For more information, please visit redcross.org/NCFL or on social media at @RedCrossNCFL.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media at @RedCross.

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