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Charlotte man collecting holiday cards for military members being treated at Walter Reed

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte man hopes to collect at least 1,000 holiday cards and deliver them to Walter Reed Army Hospital in Maryland a week from now.

"The little things we take for granted that are protected by these men and women -- and you can't say thanks enough,” Robert Eisenstein said.

He organized the holiday card drive by putting out a call on social media.  He also set up a card collection basket at Dough Bakery in Concord.  He's collected around 300 cards so far.

Roberts said some of the cards are handmade by school children from across the Southeast.

"It brought a tear to my eye because I don't know anyone in Florida,” he said. “They just saw what we we're doing here."

Eisenstein once served in the Army and was also treated at Walter Reed.

His cards could reach local military members like Mooresville Marine Cpl. Garrett Carnes, who is there now.  He is learning to walk again after losing both legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan.

Eisenstein said no matter who receives them, the message is the same.

"I know the people at Walter Reed are going to do everything in their power to make them feel good about the holidays, but this is a way for us as a community to say, ‘Hey, thank you, and we’re thinking about you, too,’" he said.

If you'd like to donate to the local holiday card collection, you can send them to 4375 Republic Court Northwest, Concord, N.C. 28027.  You can also drop them off at Dough Bakery in Concord, at 360 Exchange Street Northwest, Suite #111.