patinagle

A well-meaning friend sent me an email suggesting sending a holiday card to a recovering soldier at Walter Reed hospital. Lovely idea, but a card so addressed wouldn't get to the intended recipient (see why at Snopes.com). Here's a way to make sure your card does get to a soldier. (Thanks to moon_happy for the heads-up.)
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From the American Red Cross

Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Please follow these simple guidelines when sending your card to ensure it will quickly reach service members, veterans and their families.

All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
If sending more than one card, please mail all cards together in one large shipping envelope. Cards sent in this manner do not need individual envelopes or postage.
Please ensure that all cards are signed.
Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.”
Please do not include personal information, like email or home addresses.
Please do not send letters.
Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, glitter, confetti, gift cards or calling cards. Any items inserted into cards will be removed during the reviewing process.
All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums.

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This is exactly the sort of thing that expresses the spirit of the season, in my view. I'm getting out a card to send right now.