HRCadmin posted on December 13, 2010 19:15
Fayetteville Observer Online
Published: 01:12 PM, Mon Dec 13, 2010
Red Cross campaign sends holiday messages to vets, service members
By Mike Hixenbaugh
Staff writer
The local chapter of the American Red Cross is encouraging residents this holiday season to share personal messages of thanks with veterans and active-duty service members.
The nationwide Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign came to a close last week, but the Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross is continuing to accept cards and handwritten messages from the community.
"We owe our soldiers such a great debt, and they don't always receive the recognition they deserve," said Susan Mills, a board member with the local Red Cross chapter. "This is a way to let them know how much we appreciate their service."
About a dozen Fayetteville business leaders and elected officials attended a card-signing party this morning in an effort to promote the campaign.
Cumberland County Commissioner Jimmy Keefe was among the officials who stopped by the American Red Cross office to sign stacks of cards and write messages to soldiers.
"This is an easy one," Keefe said. "This is the least we can do to recognize them for their service and sacrifice."
Writing a short message is a small gesture, Mayor Tony Chavonne said after signing a stack of cards, but it's one that could have a lasting impact.
"In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I think it's important to take time to thank our soldiers for their service in protecting our freedoms," Chavonne said. "This is a good time to think about the things we should really be focusing on."
All of the holiday cards collected by the Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross will go to soldiers or veterans with ties to Fayetteville or Fort Bragg, said Victoria Raleigh, executive director of the local branch.
This is the fourth year the Red Cross has sponsored the nationwide card-writing campaign for soldiers, but it's the first time the Fayetteville chapter has taken an active role in collecting the holiday messages, Raleigh said.
"I think it's great we have cards coming in from all over the country," Raleigh said. "But I think having our local leaders and members of the local community write messages means more."
Residents can drop off unsealed cards through the end of the week at the American Red Cross office at 807 Carole St. Visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail for more details.
Staff writer Mike Hixenbaugh can be reached at hixenbaughm@fayobserver.com or (910) 486-3511.
