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The Rock County Star Herald is again facilitating a holiday campaign to send Christmas greetings to deployed military men and women serving the United States around the world.
After the first campaign in 2019, more than 600 letters were mailed through the Star Herald’s lighted display in the city park.
This year the display has moved to the Star Herald’s Main Street office garage door, and letters can be dropped in the mailbox out front.
“Our goal this year is 1,000 letters,” said general manager Rick Petersen who is spearheading the effort again this year.
“We’re reaching out to schools, churches, organizations and families.”
After last year’s response, he expects to get 1,000 in no time.
“I was moved — overwhelmed — by people who brought them in. Stacks and stacks of them,” Peterson said. “And people really put some thought into them.”
Cards will be collected each week and sent to “Military Missions,” where they’ll be included with care packages to about 8,000 people.
The Star Herald heard responses from some of the service people who had received cards.
“It meant a lot to them,” Peterson said.
If local families have someone serving in the military that they'd like a card sent directly to, the Star Herald will accept those names and addresses to make sure those cards get mailed directly from Luverne.
Don’t put cards in envelopes, don’t use glitter (because it gets on the uniforms), and avoid political messages and lengthy religious discussions.
Organizations encourage greeting cards or homemade creations that start with “Dear Service Member” or “Dear Friend.”
Peterson said the point of the greeting card campaign is to bring joy to someone.
“Be positive and upbeat,” he said. “Be thankful. Feel free to share a little information about yourself like hobbies, pets, and what state you’re from.”
Cards will be accepted through Nov. 30. Questions can be directed to rick@star-herald.com or call 507-283-2333.