Ritchie: More than 10,000 Holiday Greetings Collected Through 'Christmas Cards for Our Troops' Program

State Senator Patty Ritchie is proud to announce that with help from people throughout Central and Northern New York, she has collected more than 10,000 holiday greetings for the ‘Christmas Cards for Our Troops’ program. The initiative collects holiday cards, personally signed by donors, to distribute to members of the military at veterans’ hospitals, army installations and other locations to let them know they are remembered and appreciated during this special time of year.

Senator Ritchie collected the cards at her three district offices.  Local businesses, community groups, churches, students, families and more donated the cards.  Once again, Senator teamed up with the Albany Veterans Miracle Center and Ogdensburg native and radio personality Melody Burns to send the cards to military members and veterans throughout the holiday season.

“For so many people, Christmastime is the most joyful time of the year. However, many of our troops and veterans are away from home and missing loved ones during the holiday season,” said Senator Ritchie.

“Because they have given so much to defend our freedom, it’s our job to not only let them know we are thinking of them, but also that we truly support all they have done—or are doing—for our nation. I would like to thank all those who took part in the Christmas Cards for Our Troops program this year, and more importantly, would like to express just how grateful I am for the selfless service of our active duty troops and veterans.”

‘Christmas Cards for Our Troops’ will send an estimated 200,000 cards to troops and veterans this year. Since 2012, with the help of Central and Northern New Yorkers, Senator Ritchie has collected over 70,000 Christmas cards for the program.