This Letter to the Editor is from Cindy Erickson, Regional CEO, American Red Cross.
This time of year generally brings out the best in people, and we have certainly seen that here at the American Red Cross.
Because Service to the Armed Forces is a key mission area for the Red Cross, during the month of November, we asked the community to help send holiday greetings to service members around the world, their families and veterans in homes and hospitals.
While a holiday card might sound like a small thing, we hear every year that it means a great deal to those who are away from their homes and/or families. Last year, the American Red Cross collected and sent an amazing 1.3 million cards around the world… and 4,000 of those cards came from St. Louis.
This year, partnering with the St. Louis Rams, the St. Louis Red Cross set a goal to collect and send 25,000 signed cards. I am thrilled to report that with the remarkable support of the community, including local schools and faith-based groups, along with our partners and sponsors, we collected more than 41,000 cards! The region exceeded the goal by more than 15,000.
We are sincerely grateful to our partners, the St. Louis Rams and Fleishman-Hillard. Defensive End Chris Long was our honorary chair; he appeared on the holiday card and in the PSA. Fleishman-Hillard graciously produced collaterals for the campaign. Hardees and BP sponsored the event and served as collection sites for cards from the public.
Our heart-felt thanks also goes out to the many in the community who took a moment to make or sign a card, and to those who rallied their friends, co-workers and neighbors to do the same.
This holiday season, our St. Louis community helped to make it a little brighter for those service men and women and veterans who have provided the ultimate sacrifice in preserving our great American freedoms.
Warmest Holiday Wishes,
Cindy Erickson
Regional CEO, American Red Cross
