October 22, 2026 - As the holiday season approaches, many members of our military will spend the holidays far from home. Through Operation Holiday Cheer, the American Red Cross Western New York region invites community members to help send comfort, appreciation, and holiday spirit to deployed service members through care packages.

Operation Holiday Cheer is an annual Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) initiative that connects communities with military members serving overseas by helping ensure they feel remembered and appreciated during the holiday season.

It's one way to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members. Items include snacks, hydration packets, arts and crafts, holiday items, and other more.

Since 1896, the American Red Cross has provided services and support to our nation’s military. Today, the Red Cross maintains a presence on more than 380 U.S. military bases and deployment installations to provide critical support to our nation’s military, including emergency communications to help connect military members and their families in times of hardship.

Click here to view the gift wish list and contribute. To be included in this year's shipment, items must be ordered by Nov. 13, 2026.

Thank you for helping us make this holiday season brighter for our deployed service members.

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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.