Yokota members take part in 'Holiday Mail for Heroes' campaign

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  More than 50 Yokota residents recently took part in the 3rd Annual "Holiday Mail for Heroes" campaign.

The campaign, a joint effort between the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc., brings together Red Cross volunteers and staff at more than 300 chapters across the United States and at overseas military installations, to sort holiday cards and deliver them to military bases and veterans hospitals. In 2008 the Yokota Red Cross office sorted 700 cards. In 2009 it received more than 15,000.

Volunteers spent several hours sorting, packaging and addressing the cards for delivery to not only Yokota residents, but military members deployed downrange as well.

Mary Basiliere, the senior station manager for the Red Cross at Yokota, said while cards are often addressed to members downrange, they are sent to bases around the world because in many peoples eyes anyone in uniform is a Soldier.

The Pitney Bowes company donated the cost of all screening of cards for hazardous material, packaging and shipping.  

"Holiday Mail for Heroes" is just one of the many volunteer opportunities available through the Red Cross office, according to Ms. Basiliere. 

"Whenever we have an event coming up, we always advertise," she said. "We try to get the word out as much as we can, but people can always call into our office to volunteer."

To learn more about Red Cross opportunities, call 225-7522 and register as an American Red Cross volunteer.

"You don't have to commit to do 10 hours a week, 52 weeks a year," said Ms. Basiliere. "You can register for special events only, something like this or we may call to see if you are available."