christmas boxes for the forces

lee634

bosnia wrote: »

Also, I have a friend who will be in an Army Training Regiment (ATR) at Christmas. Does he quallify for the free parcel service if I send one to him?

Unless this ATR is on an operational deployment (sarcasm).

I'm affraid you will have to pput your hand in your pocket and pay the post.

Galaxy863

I am organising a collection where I work for the support our soldiers appeal. I have been in contact with the representative in my area who has told me that each rep is only allowed to send 200 shoeboxes this year but said that anything she receives that she can't send at Christmas will be sent throughout the year ( apart from Christmas items that obviously have to be sent at Christmas ).

So if anyone does want to make a shoebox up for the forces I would recommend going through SOS, there's reps in most areas that you can get in touch with if you need any help

scuzz

For anyone based in Sussex, there's a group called Thank the Forces who are in the middle of pushing for their charitable status. I know the co-founder, who is lovely and set up the group after hearing stories from her son being posted in Afghanistan. They can send boxes out on your behalf. They can be found at www.thanktheforces.com or .co.uk both work.

They like treats to be put in, but that's just what we'd think as every day things - shower gel, deoderant, biscuits, ladies items, tins of custard, instant noodles etc. But nothing in pressurised cans or chocolate - that would melt

trinnypants301

These small gifts make a huge difference to the guys and gals out there but please could I ask that you contact Support our Soldiers and coordinate your parcels, as sending them to unnamed pesonnel is a waste of time and resources. Support our Soldiers was set up by Mothers of serving people and they are based all over the UK, the web page will give you a local contact. They have a list of people currently deployed and can send the shoe boxes to a specific person. You can also donate if you don't have time to make up a box yourself, £5 usually per shoe box. If you have people you know are out there then please contact them to register your serving family and friends and ensure they get a surprise this christmas.

I did some fundraising for them last year and passed on the proceeds both in cash and items to go into the boxes to my local representative. The yanks beat us hands down at this sort of stuff. So don't stop supporting, just get in touch with people who know how the system works. Have a look at the web page and see what a difference it makes www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk

LittleCharlie

My other half said that when he goes out, he would want socks. Black ones that go with his uniform. And toothpaste. Go figure.

Under no circumstances send lads mags. They can be thrown out the military for possessing "!!!!!!" in places like Iraq. Even though we don't think it's !!!!!!, it's dictated by local laws.

And don't sent chocolate either. It melts.

Marker_2

For anyone who has an OH out in the pit, if they know any of his mates arent having letters or parcels maybe you could rope your family and yourself into sending them out stuff. They dont have to be expensive parcels, just little home treats. You will have name and number then as well so there wouldnt be any problem sending stuff out.

For those who want to do anything for the forces, but arent able to send parcels because of the reigns put on it. It would still be appreciated if you donated money to service charities like British Legion and Help for Heroes.

deanogal

downs523 wrote: »

you could send some to my brother, hes 20 and due his 1st tour to afganistan. hes going on the 10th october for 6 months.

My son is in Iraq and has asked me not to send chocolate as at 40c during the day it melts before it gets to them. He did want roll on deodorants(not sprays as they are taken out because pressurised containers), toothpaste,Diacalm tabs(dodgy water), insect repellent lotion, pens and pencils, HB and coloured,(and pencil sharpeners 4 for 30p at woolies),also small pocket sized notebooks, I also send bags of boiled sweets and lollies which he hands round to all his troop to cheer them up, when he phones home he always says thank you from the lads for keeping morale up.

There is also a free site called www.e-bluey.com where you can email the troops and they get it sent to them letter format, need squaddies details but can post message on message boards for them, please consider their security though and dont mention real names and where they are serving etc, just common sense really
......just a few ideas, hope this helps :beer:


Parcels up to 2 kilos are free post if sent to a war zone, depends on BFPO number

mike_l284

Right - I'm in Iraq at the moment and I have 50 guys under my command.

Post really is one of the big morale winners, some lads get quite alot from friends and family, others get very little. Although they don't say it, it does effect them.

When I recieve the very generous morale parcels, I make sure they are distributed as fairly as possible. The system is very good at getting them through and please be assured they are very appriciated.

I understand that during Christmas, the postal system starts to struggle, with friends and family sending letters and parcels, as well as the boxes which are sent to 'A Soldier.' Christmas is a very hard time for soldiers away from their loved ones and just knowing that the people at home are thinking of them makes a big difference.

So, I make some suggestions:

- If you would prefer to send a parcel to one of the lads, find out what units are in theatre (check the news, MoD website etc) and post it to a specific unit. Rather than sending it to 'A Soldier,' address it to the 'Chief Clerk' pretty much every unit has one and they will pass it on to the lads.

- Things that the guys really like receiving is anything 'different.' Most of the time, they have plenty of socks and soap and toothpaste. Send small toys and games. Packs of cards/ poker chips, English tea, home baked buns/ fruit cake. Most of the lads have access to the 'NAAFI', which is very similar to a 'SPAR' and so can buy pretty much everything they actually need. Its the things that are different that will make them smile. On the 'Lad's Mag' front, so long as its acceptable (you'd show it your mum!) then its fine to send.

- If you don't want to send a parcel, send a letter. Or put one in your parcel, Alot of the lads don't have anybody to write home to and really like to hear about what is going on in the real world. Maybe send a photo or two and I guarantee that you'll receive a letter back. Your workplace could 'Adopt a section' or something else equally as quirky and that would really show your support as well as providing satisfaction on your part.

Finally, can I say that the guys are really starting to feel appriciated by the public. Charities such as Help for Heroes really are making a difference. The great impact the public image is now having on the political process (equipment etc) really makes the difference out here.

Thanks.

robin_banks

Can you send tobacco/fags ?

afghanbill

bosnia wrote: »

I agree that the MOD's decision to only allow parcels to named troops does seem to be rather mean. There are many members of HM Forces that simply have no-one writing to them, particularly service personel from abroad and to find their mates opening presents and cards and them receiving nothing does not help their morale.

I am an Associate member of a Veterans organisation and they are insistent that they will not forget these individuals and will defy the MOD mandarins by sending parcels out as they previously have done. Do you think that the MOD will return the parcels to the sender or do you think they will get through to the service personnel?

Also, I have a friend who will be in an Army Training Regiment (ATR) at Christmas. Does he quallify for the free parcel service if I send one to him?

I think you are missing the point somehow, the MoD are not being mean.
I served 22 years and finished last year I now work as a civ contractor in Afghan and have bee here a year, sending parcels to your own family isn't a problem and they will get through, however sending to "a soldier in Afgahn/Iraq" cloggs the system you have to remember all movement is done by helicopter so is the mail. So in reality sending extra parcels means more risk in the delivery as helicopters get shot at to, as well as delaying the bombs and bullet stores that are required more urgently.
So yes it si nice to get a parcel I got one last year and it was appreciated so the guys who dont get much from family also get from the official charities that are allowed to send parcels, ie SupportourSoldiers, RBL etc
Hence why giving a small donation to one of those charities goes a long way to make a soldiers Xmas a wee bit special, trust me Ive been there.:cool:
As to your mate in the ATR im sure he will be allowed home after duty so he wont be that uncomfortable