Shepherd of the Valley collecting holiday mail for heroes

Shepherd of the Valley is partnering with the American Red Cross to collect holiday cards for members of the armed forces, veterans and their families.

Residents of Shepherd of the Valley Poland visited Zion Lutheran Church and made cards with children in their preschool program to kick the collection off. Zion Lutheran is continuing to collect cards for the effort.

Shepherd is collecting additional cards at their Poland site (301 W. Western Reserve Road, Poland, Ohio 44514) until Dec. 1. Cards can be dropped off to the receptionist between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Follow these guidelines for sending cards to service members:

∑ Sign all of your cards.

∑ Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can’t be delivered through this program.

∑ Only cards are being accepted. They don’t need to be in envelopes.

∑ Don’t include your email or home address on the cards as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.

∑ Don’t put anything in the cards, including photos, as these items, along with the envelopes, will be discarded during reviewing process.

∑ No glitter, please, it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.

For more information contact Elida Cowles at 330-726-7110 ext.2318 or email at ecowles@shepherdofthevalley.com.