American Red Cross to distribute "Gifts From the Homefront"American Red Cross The American Red Cross has joined forces with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to help Americans make a significant contribution toward the morale and well being of military service members serving in Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Americans can purchase "Gifts from the Homefront," gift certificates redeemable for merchandise at all AAFES PX and BXs throughout the world, including the 42 stores located throughout SW Asia in support of OEF and OIF. The Red Cross will distribute the certificates with the help of its Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) workers, who are deployed around the world to support U.S. service members.  As part of its Congressional charter, the American Red Cross is "a medium of communication between the people of the United States and the Armed Forces of the United States." Civilians whose job takes them right to the frontlines, AFES staff ensure that urgent news of death/illness and births from back home gets to U.S. service members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. "The role of the American Red Cross is to keep U.S. service members connected to their loved ones back home," said Sue Richter, interim executive director of Operations, the arm of the organization that administers services to the U.S. military and their families. "This is one more way to bring a touch of home to the frontlines." With the addition of this new option, there are now three ways Americans can send a "Gift from the Homefront" gift certificate to a loved one, family member or dear friend associated with the U.S. military. Other options include: To an Individual - gift certificates are mailed directly by CertifiChecks to a specific authorized AAFES patron if purchaser has name and address. To Air Force Members and Their Families - Those wishing to show their support of our service members can also send a contribution to the Air Force Aid Society. The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force and will accept "Gifts From the Homefront" gift certificates from anyone who wishes to contribute the certificates to Air Force members and their families. AAFES is continually working to add organizations to the list of those who will help with the distribution of "CertifiChecks" to U.S. service members and their families, units or non-specific troops. CertifiChecks are redeemable for merchandise at all AAFES PX and BXs throughout the world. Details are available at the AAFES Web site, www.aafes.com, and by phone at 1-877-770-GIFT (4438). Sold by CertifiChecks, they can be purchased 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, and come in denominations of $10 or $20 for donations to any authorized AAFES patrons. "Gifts From the Homefront" can be purchased by anyone with a U.S. credit card or check, but only authorized AAFES customers can redeem them at PX or BXs located throughout the world. By clicking on the link "Gifts from the Homefront" at www.aafes.com, anyone can find out how to access an order form and complete the transaction online or via a toll-free number at 1-877-770-GIFT (4438). Purchasers living overseas can use the online links at www.aafes.com, or by downloading online forms from the CertifiChecks web site. These order forms can be mailed or sent by FAX directly to CertifiChecks. Customers may pay with a check if they use the order form. The standard cost for the certificates is $4.95 per order, which covers the costs for printing, mailing and handling of up to 20 certificates per order, providing they're going to the same address. Delivery of the certificates normally takes between 4-10 days, possibly longer if going overseas. Shipping and handling charges are slightly more for bulk orders of $300.00 or more. About AAFES For more than 108 years, AAFES has provided quality merchandise and services at uniformly low prices to active duty military, Guard and Reserve members, retirees and family members around the world. The AAFES motto, "We Go Where You Go" is truly indicative of the service and support AAFES provides to service members.
For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org |
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