Volunteer with the Red Cross & Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Veterans

ST. CLOUD -- You can spread some holiday cheer this season to veterans and service members by decorating and writing a card.

Through the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program, you can volunteer to make a holiday card for those serving in the military, veterans and their families.

Executive Director Linda Blackmore says the cards have a huge impact on those serving and the community.

"What our (military) service members do not only for our community here, but our country is just overwhelming," Blackmore says. "And people [of all ages] care about that -- kids that come and do cards at our table really understand what they are doing when they are writing that card."

Last year over 1,600 cards were sent out locally and Blackmore says they have high goals for this second year.

"We have extended up to other counties -- up in Alexandria we plan on doing another 1,000," Blackmore says. "Our goal is to beat that and as many cards as we get in, we will distribute them."

Anyone from kids to adults can volunteer. Cards will be sent out throughout the first week of December.