People, businesses and other organizations in St. Lawrence County can send holiday cards to current and former members of our military at veteran’s hospitals, Army installations and elsewhere.

The “Christmas Cards for Our Troops.” initiative -- which is being organized through Albany’s Veterans Miracle Center with the help of Ogdensburg native and radio personality Melody Burns -- collects personally signed Christmas cards to distribute to members of the military to let them know they are remembered and appreciated during this special time of the year.

“I am so appreciative that our county clerks in St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Oswego Counties are again joining with me to help send Christmas greetings to our soldiers during the holidays,” said Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, who announced the program.

“Members of our military make such tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom,” she said. “The very least we can do is show them during the holidays that we appreciate their service, and I am again encouraging people throughout our region to join me in doing so through Christmas Cards for Our Troops.”

Once signed, cards can be dropped off at the St. Lawrence County Clerk’s Office: 48 Court St., Canton or the St. Lawrence County DMV: Human Services Building, 80 State Route 310, Canton; 206 Ford Street, Room 100, Ogdensburg; and 21 Harrowgate Commons, Massena;

Those interested in donating cards must follow these guidelines:

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

· Do not include envelopes;

· Include your name/organization’s name and address with each bundle of cards;

· Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member,” as cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program; and

· Avoid cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill or injured soldiers.

Cards can also be sent or dropped off to Senator Ritchie’s offices by Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 330 Ford St., City Hall basement, Ogdensburg.