Volunteers gathered Thursday at the American Red Cross in Selma to sort Christmas cards that will soon find their way to local veterans.

“This is one of the cradles of support for our veterans within the River Region,” said Hunter Smart, who works for the Red Cross as an Armed Forces Specialist for Central and South Alabama. “I know first hand what it means because I actually received some Red Cross cards when I was stationed in Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team.”

The cards are created, sorted and handed out by volunteers from the Red Cross. In previous years, the cards have been sent to soldiers overseas, but this year they are changing it up and focusing more on local veterans.

Smart said it’s hard to put into words what the cards mean to service men and women.

“Being over there during Christmas, you’re already missing your family, and it’s just a sad situation all the way around. To get that little slice of home just brought joy to all of us,” he said.

Smart thanked his volunteers for their hard work and love behind each card.

“I could not do what I do without volunteers,” Smart said. “The volunteers here are amazing. They go so far beyond what you ask them to do.”

One of the volunteers, Evelyn Cox, has more than one reason to give back to the veterans.

“It means everything,” Cox said. “My father was a vet. I have a grandson currently serving in Afghanistan. I’m safe because of the service members, and I just want to share love with them and let them know that we appreciate them and that they’re not forgotten.”