This holiday season, the Red Cross is hoping people will spread some cheer to military personnel overseas.

The humanitarian organization is again sending cards to soldiers, airmen, marines, guardsmen and sailors deployed in foreign lands through its "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program.

The program, which runs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 7, gives people the opportunity to send cards with words of encouragement and gratitude to members of the armed forces and their families. Last year, Midlands school districts, churches, businesses and community member sent more than 34,000 cards across the world. Since 2006, more than 4.7 million cards have been distributed to military men and women and their family.

If you would like to send a card for the program, please mail it to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

The Red Cross asks that you do not send care packages or money, and request that you don't use glitter or inserts in the cards.

R. Darren Price