Sometimes, something that takes just a moment to do can go a long way, maybe even overseas.

Among the many display tables that lined the inside of the Woolwich Fire Station on Oct. 15 for the fire department’s open house, one table offered attendees a chance to write a message to people serving in the U.S. military, at home and abroad.

American Red Cross volunteer Barbara Rapoza was manning a table of information from her employer, Servpro of Bath-Brunswick. She took the opportunity to also have Red Cross materials there, and the cards, markers and crayons for making the messages that could be marked to go to either current servicemen and servicewomen or to veterans. The Red Cross relays the cards through its Holiday Mail for Heroes program.

A flier at the table had suggestions for the cards’ notes, including “Thanks for serving our country,” and “You are an American hero.” Whatever goes on a card, the act of filling one out send its own positive message, according to Rapoza.

“I think it shows the appreciation that those who are not in the armed forces have for the men and women who are fighting for our country,” she said. “Those messages of support that show that someone has taken the time to do it can make such a difference.”

James McAllister, 7, of Winthrop came to the open house with his grandfather, Central Maine Power public safety coordinator Bradley Kaherl, who manned a table on safety.

Kaherl said he thought it was good that his grandson wanted to fill out one of the cards.

McAllister wrote his first name in green marker. Then he thought over what to add. Rapoza asked what he liked to do or liked to draw. He knew how to draw a ninja, he said.

“Pretty cool,” Rapoza told him as he drew. “You’re doing a great job.”

The open house featured Woolwich’s fire equipment; a ladder truck from the town’s neighbor across the Kennebec River, Bath; a Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office canine unit; and a Midcoast Hospital paramedic unit.

Ames True Value in Wiscasset donated the use of a bounce house. Quonset Hut in Woolwich donated bicycles for a raffle, Woolwich Fire Department’s safety officer Jason Simpson said. Walmart in Brunswick donated helmets. The hot dogs and rolls for event-goers were courtesy of Dairy Queen of Woolwich, which also donated Blizzard coupons, Simpson said.

Four hundred people turned out for the event, Simpson said later.

Members of the Woolwich Fire Department Auxiliary helped firefighters with the open house, one of area ones held in October during or near Fire Prevention Week. Auxiliary Vice President Crystal Vickrey of Westport Island manned the pumpkin muffins as daughter Mercedes Williams, 11, checked out nearby displays.

For information on the auxiliary, call President Judy Rowe at 207-449-0930.

For more on Holiday Mail for Heroes, visit www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes.

Related: More than hot dogs and high fives