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A British soldier after combat. Photo: Michael Yon
Last Christmas, Iain Dale told us all about Surprise Supplies, a scheme set up to ensure every British Soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan had a little something to open on Christmas Day.
Well yesterday I received an email from a relative who works for the Royal British Legion about an Easter box appeal set up by thanktheforces.
Owing to the intense heat in Iraq and Afghanistan, our brave boys won’t be eating chocolate, so thanktheforces is urging us, the British people, to send them sweets and other treats instead.
“We are currently collecting any gifts from the people of Sussex who would like to show the British troops that they care. We collect, wrap, pack and send donated items to the Senior Chaplains in operational theatres in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The Chaplains will then distribute the gift boxes to where the need is greatest.
“Most of the boys and girls are living on Army ration packs (lots of calories but very boring). They also have little access to any of the everyday luxuries we have become accustom to. We cannot send aerosols or pressurised products as they are a potential hazard on the military flights, but anything that doesn’t perish, leak, burst or explode is ideal. There is a maximum weight limit of 2kg on each parcel set in place by the postal service. If you would like more information on the types of gifts that can be sent please contact us for a more complete list.”
Although the pick-up service is only in Sussex, thanktheforces does state that “you could order online and have the shopping delivered to us” or “send us some supermarket vouchers and we will shop on your behalf”.
We should never forget the debt of gratitude we owe our servicemen and women, fighting for their Country without question, and I would strongly urge everyone to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to show our armed forces that yes, we the people really do care!
Other charities which help the forces include: St Dunstan’s, Help for Heroes and of course the Royal British Legion.
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