Support Operation Shoebox to support OUR troops in Afghanistan (From Yeovil Express)

Support Operation Shoebox to support OUR troops in Afghanistan

7:00pm Tuesday 10th November 2009

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AN APPEAL has gone out for support from the local community to back the Operation Shoebox campaign which helps to bring a little bit of comfort to our troops currently serving in Afghanistan.

Gemma Wilkes has recently become the Yeovil co-ordinator for Operation Shoebox which is an organisation, solely run by volunteers, who organise and send shoeboxes of essentials and goodies to serving troops in Afghanistan.

And Gemma said: "I am appealing to members of the community to make a shoebox to send."

The shoebox idea is that it gives YOU the opportunity to help lift spirits and make life a little more bearable for our servicemen and women in Afghanistan and Iraq. Gemma said: "The idea is to encourage people to fill a shoe box with a range of goodies and useful items that would mean so much to the troops, some of whom have been away from the UK for months and missing basic items that we normally take for granted.

"We are appealing for people to help fill shoeboxes. We can arrange collection of the boxes and onward delivery."

Boxes can not be more than 2kg and should be marked Male, female or Dog (if intended for a sniffer dog).

Below is a list of some of the things that can be included.

• Paperback Books, Magazines etc.

• Greeting Cards for Soldiers to send home to family and friends (Birthday & Christmas).

• Sudoku or Crossword Puzzle Books.

• Pocket Games.

• Notebooks, Pens, Pencils.

• Cotton Underwear (boxers for men).

• Cotton Underwear (female).

• Sewing Kits.

• Sweets (Werthers Originals are a particular favourite).

• Super Noodles.

• Cuppa Soup.

• Crystal Drink Sachets, Squash, Coffee, Hot Chocolate (& Marshmallows too!).

• Individual sachets of Marmite, Peanut Butter.

• Small bottles of Tabasco or Sweet Chilli sauce.

• Small packages of Snacks (Nuts and Crackers).

• Foil packed Biscuits.

• Flavour Ice Pops.

• Chewing Gum.

• Roll-on Deodorant.

• Tooth Brushes and Toothpaste.

• Non-aerosol Shaving Cream.

• Razors.

• Hair Bands.

• Baby Powder.

• Soap.

• Shampoo.

• Wet Wipes (unscented).

• Flea Collars (for Soldiers ankles).

• AT&T Phone Cards.

• Flip-flops.

But NO Chocolate please as it melts before it can be enjoyed. No aerosols or flammable liquids.

And don’t forget the sniffer dogs, they work hard too...so treat them to some chew toys, dog biscuits, flea collards or power flea shampoo.

If you require further info Gemma can be contacted on 07841-384415.

The last sending date for Christmas is November 27, but boxes will be sent throughout the year.

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