(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.

You can submit your favorite Halloween costume photo of an adult, child or pet and be entered for a chance to win prizes!

The KFVS12 Halloween Photo Contest started Tuesday, Oct. 2. The submission period is from 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The voting period runs from 12 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.

Prizes will be awarded for best children's costume, adult costume and best pet costume.

You can click here to submit your photo.

For more information or to vote, you can click here.