Soldiers will still receive our gifts

Oct 24 2008 by Michael Pringle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

YOU may have seen an announcement in the national press that the public will not be allowed to send Christmas parcels to our troops this year, addressed ‘To A British Soldier’.

Can I assure you that the ‘Support our Soldiers’ Christmas Parcel Appeal WILL proceed as usual as we send only to named personnel and are only one of two charities endorsed and approved by the Ministry of Defence to send bulk parcels to our troops.

What is different this year is that following discussions with BFPO, we have agreed to send a finite number of parcels (12,000) in order that all mail is processed in time for Christmas. The emphasis is also on a reduced number of specific SMALL items for ease of packing and storage on arrival in ‘theatre’.

You can, if preferred, donate cash online – details are available on our website www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk – to the appeal which, if not used for a Christmas box due to our quota having been reached, will be used to send one immediately thereafter as the troops on operations over the festive period will still be in situ until spring at the earliest.

As in previous years, donations (including your contact details – optional) can be handed in to the Kyle Centre in Ayr High Street (or your local representative) between October 11 and November 15.

Other locations have still to be confirmed and will be advertised as soon as possible.

If you have a business or are members of a community group and would like to provide this facility, or indeed require further information then please contact me on agnes@supportoursoldiers.co.uk or on 07779762932. Thank You

Agnes Hunter

l Suggested items required: Santa hat, small selection box, small Christmas cake -wrapped slice, or individual christmas/sponge pudding, pack nuts, pack crisps/snacks,pack raisins/fruit mix, lollies/boiled sweets, packet shortbread, oatcakes/biscuits, Baby-bel cheeses, coffee/chocolate sachets/teabags, individual jar jam or marmalade, packet of chewing gum, socks/boxers/pants(ladies)/T-shirt, Small toiletry items, individual pack tissues, book, puzzles, note pad, pen, playing cards, balloons, streamers/small decorations, tea-lights/small candle, greetings card, small individual present eg diary, pen-set, keyrings etc.

NO aerosols. crackers, party-poppers, alcohol, lighters – only safety matches.