HOLIDAY MAIL FOR HEROES

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Serving members of the military and their families was the first mission of the American Red Cross more than 125 years ago. And as we remember those who serve on Veteran’s Day, it remains a core part of the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) mission today. Just one of the essential military services provided by the American Red Cross is the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.

For the second year in a row, the Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes to collect one million holiday cards for American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. 

Those who would like to send holiday greetings to military members serving around the world, veterans and their families are asked to mail cards to: 

Holiday Mail for Heroes 

P.O. Box 5456 

Capital Heights, MD 20791-5456

Red Cross volunteers will be on hand to sort and mail the holiday cards and to ensure that every effort is made to send warm wishes and support to military members serving around the world as well as their families who will be without their loved ones during the holidays.
Providing support to military members is a daily task for the American Red Cross of Central Texas (ARCCT). 

The ARCCT provides communication services to military members in times of crisis and important events by contacting family members living in the Central Texas area. These communications are delivered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through the work of volunteers. The ARCCT also provides counseling and referrals to military families at an average of three families per day, all free of charge. All services are made possible by the generous support of Central Texas citizens through their dollars and volunteer time.

Holiday Mail for the Heroes kicks off future Service to the Armed Forces programs from the American Red Cross of Central Texas. Stay tuned for more information.

CEO UPDATE

From Elaine Acker, CEO

Happy Monday to all,
I hope you all have a short holiday week ahead. Here’s what’s going on here at the Chapter:

Bastrop Fire Response this past weekend
On a sad note, there was house fire this past weekend in Bastrop. Some family members made it out safely, but two elderly people died. Volunteer Elaine Thompson continues to be our rock in Bastrop County, and along with her team, she will be coordinating with the family and emergency services to provide any needed assistance.

Volunteer Recognition and Annual Meeting Set for August 23
Save the Date! We’re confirmed for our Red Cross chapter annual meeting and Volunteer Recognition event. It’s Sunday, August 23 at the Dell Diamond. We’ll conduct a little business, celebrate the amazing volunteers without whom we would not be able to deliver services to this community, and enjoy an All-American outing. This event will be big fun for the whole family, so I hope everyone – staff, board, and volunteers - can join us. We’ll be sending a “Save the Date” note to volunteers this week.

New Employee Announced in Emergency Services
Lane Pearson, who has been working in Emergency Services as a contractor, is now a permanent employee. Lane has accepted the Emergency Services Response role effective immediately, and we value his tremendous dedication to the Red Cross mission, and the broad knowledge he brings to the role. Please join me in welcoming Lane (permanently!) to the team.

America’s Charities Workplace Giving Campaigns
I’d like to thank our board members who came out to the America’s Charities reception on Tuesday evening: Michael, Calvin, Felicia, Stacy Armijo, and Judge Shepperd came and spent time with Marty and me learning more about opportunities with workplace giving. Several staff members attended the America’s Charities annual meeting and speaker’s training the following day and I think we’re all looking forward to the fall campaigns.

Watch FOX News on Wednesday, July 1
Marty McKellips is scheduled to do a morning interview on FOX on Wednesday to talk about Fourth of July safety. There’s BBQ involved. Sounds good – even at 7 a.m.

Luling Watermelon Thump
Volunteer Dave Crittenden braved the heat to represent the Chapter at the annual Luling Watermelon Thump (pictured below). Dave has worked hard to raise visibility and volunteers for the Red Cross in Caldwell County, and we appreciate everything he does for this Chapter. We have plans to increase outreach through community events in other counties, so if you have suggestions about especially high-profile events, please let us know.

Holiday
The Chapter will celebrate the Fourth of July by closing the offices on Friday, July 3.

I wish everyone a SAFE and fun weekend!

One World Camp Slideshow
Click on the image to view the slideshow.

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