14 DAY TRIAL // A message that advises people to send Christmas cards to American soldiers wounded in battle was seen on Facebook. Even though the intention is good, it actually turns out to be a hoax that has caused nothing but problems.
Sophos informs that Facebook walls have been flooded with requests to send holiday cards to soldiers recovering at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.
The message reads:
When filling out your Christmas cards this year, take ONE CARD and SEND it to this address: A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20307-5001. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these soldiers could get to bring up their spirits! Feel free to repost. This is a wonderful thing to do !!
While this might seem like a good deed, the medical facility decided some time ago that these packages were problematic and for the safety of their patients and staff members, they stopped accepting them, Snopes reports.
In times when Antrax and who knows what other malicious things can be sent in a simple envelope, no wonder that the US Postal Service refused to accept such mail.
Even more, the center closed for good at the end of the summer which means that such mail will only return to its sender.
Those who want to make a soldier happy can always send cards through the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, sponsored by the Red Cross. In order to avoid unfortunate situations only cards are accepted and senders must obey a set of rules such as not to include emails or home addresses, photographs, or even cards that contain glitter.
Do a little research before making any donations or sending gifts. Even if you're not filling the pockets of crooks, you can give Postal office workers a real headache.