Cards bring touch of home to military

Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
FOR THE TROOPS — County residents signed Christmas cards Saturday at the Aroostook Centre Mall that will be sent to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Shown receiving a sticker from Sophie Lee, right, is Ann Levesque of Fort Kent, one of the many people who signed a card. Looking on are, from left, Ann Perier, Bill Thomas and Dan Lee, members of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter advisory board.
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
    PRESQUE ISLE — Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families will soon be receiving Christmas cards signed by area residents thanks to the American Red Cross’ Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign.
    American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter advisory board members and volunteers were at the Aroostook Centre Mall Saturday inviting patrons to sign cards that will be distributed to military installations, VA and military hospitals, and veteran’s organizations in the United States and overseas.
    Since 2006, the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have received and distributed more than 4.7 million holiday cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Pitney Bowes provides all screening, packaging and shipping of the cards.
    “In the past we’ve had schools and churches sign the cards and return them to us and we have taken them locally to the veteran’s homes and the Guard,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the Pine Tree Chapter. “This is the first year that we’ve had a public signing where the cards will be sent nationally from this office.
    “The cards will go to a military member … either active duty, retired or a veteran,” she said. “Part of our mission is to provide services to the Armed Forces … letting them know that we’re here for them and their families. Whether it’s one year or 30 years, these people served our country, and this is a great way for local residents to brighten their holidays and share a touch of home.”
    The local chapter had 65 cards available, and community members could either write a message or simply sign their names.
    Knorr said military service is a cornerstone of the American Red Cross.
    “Clara Barton, the founder of the Red Cross, went to the battlefields to see the injured and the dying. That’s what sparked her passion for taking care of those who had been in battle who were hurt and wounded,” said Knorr, “and it was done in a community way. The Red Cross is really founded on military service, and Holiday Mail for Heroes is an extension of that.
    For more information on the American Red Cross, log onto www.redcross.org.