FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 1, 2018) – The American Red Cross is launching Holiday for Heroes, an annual campaign which provides the community an opportunity to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer to veterans and military members. These messages can take the form of notes, letters, holiday cards or homemade cards from children, which are then placed inside a handmade holiday stocking.

This year, the American Red Cross Florida’s Southern Gulf Chapter is pleased to partner again with Arthrex, Inc., a global medical device company headquartered in Naples, Fla., in assembling and delivering these stuffed holiday stockings for military members who are away from their families during the holidays.

“Holiday for Heroes really gives our community the chance to do something special for our service members and veterans and to thank them,” said Jill Palmer, executive director of Florida’s Southern Gulf Chapter. “We are grateful to our friends at Arthrex who are committed to making Holiday for Heroes a success.”

Donation boxes will be placed throughout the Naples and Ft. Myers areas, including Red Cross chapter offices, where residents can drop off the following items along with their holiday messages:

Small puzzle books, playing cards

iTunes® cards

Tuna and non-perishable meat

Beef Jerky

Dry Snacks (dry roasted nuts, granola)

Travel sized toiletry items

Small packs of baby wipes

Bug repellant wipes

Wrapped hard candy/gum (no chocolate)

Chapstick/lip balm

Drink Mix (individual packets)

Power bars

Cards & letters of appreciation (Please do not write your last name, address or personal contact info on the items. Please use wording on the thank you cards that will encompass the holiday spirit without reference to race or religion as these will go to a diverse group of service men and women. Also, please do not put your cards or letters inside an envelope.)

Donations MUST be dropped off by October 23, 2018. For a full list of box locations, visit redcross.org/holidayforheroes.

Arthrex employees will gather on Wednesday, Nov. 7 to place the donated items in handmade holiday stockings along with encouraging holiday cards provided by the community. These care packages will then be mailed by Arthrex to soldiers who are serving overseas during the holidays.

For additional information, please call either of the Red Cross chapter offices Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.

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/southflorida or visit us on Twitter at @SFLRedCross.

About Arthrex:
Arthrex Inc., headquartered in Naples, FL, is a global leader in orthopedic product development and medical education for orthopedic surgeons. More than 1,500 products for arthroscopic and minimally invasive orthopedic surgical procedures are developed by Arthrex each year and marketed worldwide. Arthrex is passionate about contributing to a stronger, healthier community through the support of more than 100 charitable and community-based organizations each year. For more information, visit www.arthrex.com.

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