Washington, DC - Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22) joined with local students this week to mail 4,000 holiday cards to members of the U.S. military serving in Afghanistan during the holiday season.

“Our troops and their families make extraordinary sacrifices every day, but their service far from home becomes all the more meaningful during the holiday season,” Klein said. “These cards show our community’s gratitude to the men and women serving our country and spread some holiday cheer at the same time.”

Klein invited Palm Beach and Broward county public schools to participate in his annual “Holiday Hugs from Home” program, where students create one-of-a-kind holiday cards for members of the military serving far from home. More than 20 schools in the two counties participated, creating 4,000 cards to be delivered to soldiers serving with the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan. The cards were mailed on Monday and Tuesday to arrive in time for the holiday season.

“This program helps the next generation of Americans understand the importance of military service and support for our veterans,” Klein said. “I am so proud of the thousands of students who took the time to make cards, write notes and share their personal thanks with the military men and women serving in Afghanistan this holiday season.”

The following schools participated in Congressman Klein’s annual “Holiday Hugs from Home” program:

Broward County:  Norcrest Elementary School, Winston Park Elementary School, Park Springs Elementary School, Eagle Ridge Elementary, McNab Elementary, Country Hills Elementary School, Coral Springs Elementary School, Harbordale Elementary School, Coral Springs Middle School, Bayview Elementary School, Park Trails Elementary School.

Palm Beach County:  Conniston Community Middle School, Palmetto Elementary, Palm Springs Middle School, N. Palm Beach Country Elementary, S. Olive Elementary, Howell L. Watkins Middle School, Palm Springs Elementary School, Lake Worth Middle School, Jupiter Elementary School, Royal Palm Beach High School, Boca Verde, Orchard View Elementary School, Boca Raton Middle School.