State Senator Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, seeks St. Lawrence County residents to participate in the “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program.

An initiative sponsored by the American Red Cross, the program collects holiday cards signed by donors to distribute to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines at military bases, veterans’ hospitals and other places.

Cards must be sent or dropped off in Ogdensburg at 330 Ford St., City Hall basement. All cards must be received by Nov. 15.

Guidelines:

• Do not include envelopes

• Do not include personal letters, photos or inserts of any kind

• Include the senders or organization’s name and address with each bundle of cards

• Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member,” as cards addressed to specific people cannot be delivered through this program

• Avoid cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of the ill and injured