Help Red Cross Support Troops during Operation Holiday Cheer

Holiday for Heroes banner with presents wrapped in brown paper and colorful bows.

November 03, 2025

Every holiday season, the American Red Cross serving Central & South Texas hosts its annual Operation Holiday Cheer initiative to care for and honor our military heroes. This year, we invite you to partner with the Central & South Texas Red Cross to donate items for holiday care packages distributed to active-duty military members deployed around the world and local veterans in hospitals or nursing homes. Donations are accepted through November 17 at the locations below.

You can participate by donating some of the following items:

Decks of playing cards, fidget spinners, puzzles, crochet kits and Board Games
Gum, mints, hard candy (no chocolate)
Individual packets of flavored drink mixes (Crystal Light, electrolytes)
Individual packets of powdered hot cocoa or apple cider mix
K-cups and coffee creamer pods
Stockings, stocking stuffers, birthday celebration supplies and wooden ornaments
Non-aerosol sunscreen (alcohol free)
*Individually packaged/travel size snacks (nuts, trail mix, beef jerky, Slim Jim)
*Protein bars, granola bars, breakfast bars or oatmeal
*Popcorn, Sunflower Seeds, Girl Scout Cookies or any cookies (Individually Wrapped)
*Non-perishable meat (individual packets of tuna, chicken, salmon; not canned)
*Non-perishable Microwavable Meals (Mac and cheese, pastas and instant mash potatoes)
Holiday cards and letters of appreciation (Please DO NOT use glitter, write the date, write your last name, address or any personal contact information. Please use wording that will encompass the holiday spirit without reference to religion as these will go to a diverse group of service members.)

*Most wanted items