Published: November 19, 2009 11:07 pm      

Mail, gift programs can make holidays happier for troops

JOHNSTOWN — The Keystone Chapter of the American Red Cross is asking for the public’s help in supporting two of its programs that will benefit servicemen and women during the holidays.

Residents can participate in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program by signing greeting cards for soldiers, their families and veterans that the Keystone Chapter will have available at Johnstown’s Light Up Night this evening in Central Park.

People also can send their own cards to Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, Md. 20791-5456.

The Keystone Chapter has received a grant to mail packages to deployed soldiers.

Residents need only provide items such as snacks and drink mixes, Shick Extreme 3 or Gillette Fusion razors and refills, nonaerosol shaving cream and other personal-hygiene items, and 26-inch universal bicycle inner tubes.

The soldiers have been supplied with bicycles, but the inner tubes last only a short time in the desert heat.

Military-approved boxes are available from the chapter office, 647 Main St., Johnstown, or at post offices.

People also can bring their items to the Keystone Chapter for packaging.

Residents can send care packages to their soldier or get the name of a local soldier and address from the Keystone Chapter.

For more information, call the Keystone Chapter at 255-1550.