Operation Stars & Stripes sends Christmas cards to military members worldwide

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - With Christmas right around the corner, two organizations have joined forces to make the holidays extra special for those serving our country. You, too, can be a part of their mission.

The goal of Operation Stars & Stripes is to collect Christmas cards to be sent out to active military members worldwide.

"Not everybody gets to be at home during Christmas time, and we have a lot of military personnel that don't get to come home," said Curator of the Battle of Richmond Visitor Center Phillip Seyfrit.

For those serving overseas, the holidays can be a painful reminder of what they're missing out on.

"So we try to send a little bit of home to them," said Seyfrit.

Founded 20 years ago, Military Missions works year-round, sending care packages to our soldiers.

"We have snacks, then we also have powder drinks, we have candy," said Military Missions Board Member and Volunteer Larry Neuzel. "Some of them, if we have the units, we'll put in playing cards."

But that's not all they receive.

"We also put cards in every package, so everyone gets at least eight cards," said Neuzel. "It means a lot because it's a touch of home."

The cards are sent to individual service members and units.

"We send some to ships," said Neuzel. "We send some to airfields all over the Middle East, anybody in harm's way."

They plan on sending thousands of packages this year, but they can't do it without much help.

"We ask individuals just to buy a box of Christmas cards, sign their name, and put their town on there, where they're from," said Seyfrit. "If they would like to make a little note, preferably something like, thank you for your service."

"We get some from the children too, get some from different organizations, church groups, Boy Scouts, colleges," said Neuzel.

The Battle of Richmond Visitors Center is helping collect cards for Military Missions through November 19.

"We've gotten cards and letters back from them saying how much they appreciate it. That it really means a lot," said Neuzel.

Each one serves a big purpose.

"It's a way to show our appreciation to these young men and women who are away from home," said Seyfrit. "We care about them. You have people at home that are going to stand behind you and do whatever it takes to make your time as best as it can be."

If you know someone serving overseas that you would like to receive a care package, you can visit Military Missions website to request one.

Military Missions asks that you don't use an envelope or glitter and don't write any dates.

They also said that since these are going to active military members, please don't write veteran.

If you would like to send cards, you can drop them off at the Battle of Richmond Visitors Center. It's located at 101 Battlefield Memorial Hwy, Richmond, Ky.

You can also drop them off at Military Missions at 570 Delzan Pl Suite 10, Lexington, KY.

If you have a story of kindness you would like highlighted, email