YORK, Pa. — As spooky season winds down, the spirit of the winter holidays is already taking root in south-central Pennsylvania.
Royer’s Flowers and Gifts is teaming up with the American Red Cross to deliver warmth and cheer to local veterans through the “Holidays for Heroes” program.
Amber Charnoff of Royer’s Flowers and Gifts said, “We want to be able to give them a little bit of happiness.”
The program encourages community members to contribute cards— whether they are leftover holiday cards, everyday notes, or even handmade creations. Participants can also download coloring sheets for free from the Royer’s Flowers and Gifts website to use as their submissions.
“It’s really nice to know that they know someone in their community is thinking about them this holiday season, giving them a little touch of home,” Charnoff stated, showing that big gestures can come in small packages.
But the joy doesn’t end with those receiving the cards. Laura Burke, a representative from the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region, explained the initiative helps connect members of the community.
“It really helps us provide a bridge for the civilian community to reach Pennsylvania veterans,” Burke said.
Charnoff added that the project helps engage even the youngest members of the community.
“A lot of times, it’s little kids doing these activities, and it gives them something fun to do while also teaching them about giving back,” she said.
Royer’s has partnered with the Red Cross for over a decade, which Burke says results in thousands of donated cards each year, spreading holiday cheer to hundreds of local veterans.
“We like to shower our veterans with love so we try to bundle as many cards as possible. Last year we were able to bundle 10 cards in a pack, so as many different cards as we can get in is wonderful to make sure our veterans get a nice stack of cards each holiday season,” Burke said.
As the community rallies together, the “Holidays for Heroes” initiative promises to bring joy and connection during the holiday season, reminding everyone of the importance of gratitude and togetherness.
Cards and coloring pages can be dropped off at any of the 16 Royer’s locations through Nov. 16. More information on how to help spread the holiday cheer and card requirements can be found here.