All you need is a pen and a piece of paper to show your appreciation and send some holiday cheer to the servicemen and women who help defend our freedom here and abroad. The American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes (HMFH) program empowers people to “Give Something That Means Something” by sending a card of thanks and support to the members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Your Red Cross office will collect, sort, and distribute the holiday cards to military members, veterans, and their families.

Want to get involved? Below are some ways you can help:

• Host a card-signing event
• Volunteer to help sort holiday cards
• Volunteer to help distribute holiday cards

Our deadline to receive cards is on Friday, December 7th. Please mail in or drop off cards. 

• Jacksonville Office - 751 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204
• Gainesville Office - 1425 NW 6th Street, Gainesville , FL 32601
• Tallahassee Office - 1115 Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee , FL 32311
• Panama City Office - 430 E 15th Street, Panama City, FL 32405
• Pensacola Office - 222 N. Baylen Street, Pensacola , FL 32502

For questions, please call 904-248-4095.

What is the Holiday Mail for Heroes Program?

The Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program enables Americans to “Give Something That Means Something” this holiday season. We are inviting the public to send cards of thanks, encouragement and holiday cheer to members of our U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and military families, many of whom will be far away from home this holiday season.

Cards are not addressed to anyone specific, so who gets these cards?

Participating Red Cross chapters will determine how to best distribute cards to service members, veterans and family members in their local communities, across the nation and around the world. Cards may be delivered individually, included in care packages or displayed at common venues in military installations and hospitals.

Can I drop cards off at my local Red Cross office?

Yes.

Will my card be distributed to our troops stationed overseas?

Cards are distributed to hundreds of locations domestically and around the world, including military installations, military and VA medical facilities and veterans organizations. Please understand that it is difficult to determine which cards will be sent overseas and which will be sent domestically.

Are there other restrictions and guidelines for cards?

In order to make cards as meaningful as possible to a wide audience, we recommend that the public use generic titles such as “Dear Service Member, Veteran, or Military Family Member” when writing the cards. Cards should not contain glitter because some cards may end up at the bedside of a wounded service member and the glitter could aggravate existing health issues. It is not necessary to put cards in individual envelopes. The cards are removed and the envelopes discarded during the screening process.

Can I include calling cards, money or other items in the cards?

We ask that people not enclose any items with the holiday cards. Any items enclosed with the holiday cards will be removed, including photos and other gifts. If you wish to provide financial support for Red Cross services to the military, please donate online.

How can people get involved in the Holiday Mail program beyond mailing a card?

• Word of Mouth: Check with your local Red Cross office for up-to-date information about the program.
• Social Media: Connect with fellow card senders through social media channels and help us get the word out through Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to use the hashtag #holidaymail.