WASHINGTON - Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., is working with the American Red Cross and the Holiday Mail for Heroes program to encourage North Dakotans to send holiday cards to servicemen and servicewomen in the United States and around the world.

Now through Dec. 10, the public can participate in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. North Dakotans can send holiday cards with their message of thanks and holiday cheer to a special post office box. The Red Cross will then sort and package the cards, and deliver them to military bases and hospitals, veterans' hospitals, and other locations during the holidays.

Holiday cards should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

In an effort to ensure that all cards quickly reach service members, veterans and their families, the Red Cross asks that people adhere to the following guidelines:

n Be sure to affix adequate postage and address your card "Dear Service Member."

n If sending more than one card, mail all cards together in one large shipping envelope. Cards sent in this manner do not need individual envelopes or postage.

n Ensure that all cards are signed. However, do not include personal information, like e-mail or home addresses.

n Do not send letters, only cards.

n Do not include inserts of any kind.

Cards must be received no later than Dec. 10. Cards received after this date will be returned to senders.

For more information about the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, visit www.RedCross.org/HolidayMail.