Microsoft Hosting Day of Support

The American Red Cross and Microsoft are teaming up to invite residents to write messages of appreciation to members of the Armed Forces during “Show Your Support Day,” to be held at the store in the Bridgewater Commons Mall.

The event will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Through Microsoft technology, shoppers will be invited to record messages of appreciation in the store, which will be distributed by the Red Cross to members of the military services overseas. Shoppers can also make cards if they wish.

This program is done through the American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces, which allows members of military families to send and receive emergency messages. The network operates 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, according to a release.

In 2012, the American Red Cross North Jersey Region helped 884 military families send emergency messages, receive financial aid and get counseling, the release said. The program also assists in deployments and homecomings, hosts social events and veteran homes and more.

This program is one of several held through the American Red Cross North Jersey Region and the Microsoft Store at the mall. Other events have included a volunteer registration with Red Cross Volunteer Services and scavenger hunt with the Red Cross Somerset Youth Council.