READERS are being urged to get behind this year’s Support Our Soldiers Christmas shoebox appeal which is being backed by The Bromsgrove and Droitwich Standards.
The scheme aims to send festive parcels out to our servicemen and women who are out in Afghanistan and other areas at a time when most people in the rest of the country are at home celebrating Christmas with family and friends.
Among the items that can be included in the packages are Santa hats, boiled sweets, travel sweets, pork scratchings, beef jerky, savoury rice, noodles, packet soups, peanuts, mixed nuts, small packets of dried fruit, Christmas cakes, festive puddings, chocolate coins, sachets of coffee, teabags, lollipops, biscuits, chewing gum and small toiletry items.
They can also feature socks and underwear, puzzle books, notepads and pens, a small gift and be accompanied by a card wishing the recipients well.
Items, such as aerosols, alcohol, Christmas crackers, party poppers, lighters and matches are not allowed.
Senders can also send a card containing a message of goodwill.
Parcels are checked before they are sent so they should not be sealed.
Agnes Hunter, SOS’ founder and CEO, said: “There are still a large number of troops deployed in Afghanistan and at other locations around the world, with several more locations being added imminently.
“Whilst they are not classed as ‘conflict’ troops, they are still in danger, without access to regular supplies, many on a first overseas tour and some with no family contact who need our support.”
Editor Tristan Harris said: “Thousands of parcels have been sent in previous years for the Support Our Soldiers shoebox appeal by Standard readers to help give our troops a better Christmas and we are hoping everyone will rise to the challenge again.”
Parcels can be dropped off at The Standard’s office at Webb House, Church Green East, Redditch.
They must be with us by November 13 at the latest, ready to be collected by the SOS team.
Visit: www.supportoursoldiers.org.uk for more information on the scheme.
