Local Red Cross Aids Soldiers, Vets [VIDEO]

When prompted with questions about the Red Cross' services, a Westchester resident will likely think "disaster relief."

Or, donating blood to those in need.

And while the Westchester Red Cross chapter provides these crucial services, there's another element that often overlooked—the non-profit's dedication to helping soldiers, veterans and their families.

Year-round, and every hour of every day, volunteers labor to ensure America's bravest are comfortable overseas and at home. The Red Cross works to keep soldiers in touch with their families, support the injured and ill returning home and pass along the public's gratitude.

_____

To donate, visit NYRedCross.org

_____

A seasonal centerpiece of the organization's work with the Armed Forces is Holiday Mail for Heroes, where folks on the home-front pen "Thanks Yous" to service members.  

Since 2006, about five million missives have been sent locally and abroad, to places like Afghanistan, Kuwait and Djibouti.