(KFVS) - The American Red Cross will be collecting and distributing cards that send words of encouragement, gratitude and cheer to America's heroes for the holiday season.

The Red Cross is inviting the public to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer until Dec. 7 by mailing them to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

To ensure that cards are delivered on time for the holidays, the Red Cross says they must be postmarked no later than Dec. 7. Individuals are asked to refrain from sending "care packages," monetary donations or using glitter or any other kinds of inserts with the cards.

According to the Red Cross, the company Pitney Bowes Inc. receives cards at the special Holiday Mail post office box, and screens them for hazardous materials. The company screens, packages and ships the cards at no charge.

SIKESTON, MO (KFVS) - The American Red Cross of the Southern Missouri Region is offering an Adult/Pediatric First Aid CPR/AED class at the Sikeston YMCA Wednesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 25.

The class will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and both sessions are required for certification. The Red Cross says this is a two-year certification and course options include:

• First Aid - Learn how to respond to common first aid emergencies, including burns; cuts; head, neck and back injuries and more. Pediatric option available.
• CPR/AED - Learn how to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults, including the use of automated external defibrillators (AED). Adult and pediatric options available.

The YMCA is located at 511 Taylor Street in Sikeston.

For more information or to sign up, you can call 573-335-9471 ex. 306 or e-mail Beth at beth.seabaugh@redcross.org.