Holiday Mail For Heroes

From Hebrew School Students

Hanukkah cards with words of thanks and holiday greetings for US servicemen and women were written and decorated recently by the boys and girls attending Hebrew School at Congregation Adath Israel in Newtown. Students from preschool through grade 7 participated.

Cards will be distributed through the Holiday Mail for Heroes program organized by the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes. This is the Hebrew School’s third year participating in a program to send holiday cards to members of the military. It was the fourth year the program was offered.

Students put a lot of effort into their cards. Messages were simple such as “Have a good holiday. Harrison” and “Dear Service person, Have a happy Hannukah! I’m sending you a hug! Thank you! Hanna”

Others had a lot to say: “Dear soldier, I am writing this to you because I want to say thank you. Thank you for protecting this world, for protecting me, and for protecting my family. You are a true Hero, to not only the world but to me too. Sincerely, Jessica”

“Dear soldier, Thank you for risking your life to keep our country safe. You’re the best! Senserily, Jacob  Happy Hanukkah!”

A printed menorah on the front cover of each card was colored with a variety of styles — silver with orange candles, rainbow colored, gray and yellow, and pastel. Many of the students added extra drawings to their cards. There ss a patriotic theme with a drawing of a US flag. Others are decorated with hearts, the world, a peace sign, and a smiley face.

In all, 42 cards are heading to Holiday Mail for Heroes. “This is a great program to be able to reach out and let our servicemen and women know how much they are appreciated,” said Vicki O’Meara, executive vice president and president of Pitney Bowes Management Service.

“During the past three years, Americans helped send three million cards to our service members and veterans through Holiday Mail for Heroes, and we are expecting another high volume of cards this year due to positive response,” said Ms O’Meara. According to a press release from the American Red Cross, the program had distributed more than three million cards during the first three years of its existence.