Sending Gifts to the frontline

chris_spackman

After watching Ross Kemp i want to know how i go about sending stuff to Serviceman / Woman in the Middle East and what wouod be the best things to send

JK12345

chris_spackman wrote: »

After watching Ross Kemp i want to know how i go about sending stuff to Serviceman / Woman in the Middle East and what wouod be the best things to send

Not sure how you go about it in civvy street, but I know the hi-light of the day for many servicemen/women is the mail, and "blueys" (a kind of self seal letter) is free to BFPO addresses.

You maybe able to find the BFPO adress somewhere on the internet, and some posr offices stock blueys, but if you plan on sending parcels, be aware of the local customs, as they are also subject to the same rules (ish)

When my ex was in the gulf they all wanted chocolate, washimg powder, razors and generally just simple stuff from home with brand names they recognise etc. Not sure what they want for now though :-(

Lovely thought though, our servicepeople deserve some support.

Jx

chris_spackman

More support indeed.

Thanks for your reply and i will go off at the weekend and buy what you suggest.

If anyone else has any ideas please reply.

How do i send it and who do i address a parcel to?

JK12345

Have asked a few people for some input, hopefully if they know they will be able to help better than me :-) Jx

chris_spackman

JK12345 wrote: »

Have asked a few people for some input, hopefully if they know they will be able to help better than me :-) Jx

Thanks.....look forward to it. Gonna do the rounds with some companies to see what i can get sorted.

All input would be great so i can get sending!

JK12345

Dont know if this link is any help, but it suggests not to send unsolicited packages:-

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/Personnel/PublicSupportForOurServicePersonnel/

But i did notice whilst looking that there seemed to be a few orgainistaions offering a drop off service here in the UK for goods to be sent over, cant find any operating now though, but i'm sure there will be.

Jx

chris_spackman

Yeah just seen that myself but was hoping to send a parcel to one regiment and stick with that as it seems a bit more personal and show my support by sending it to one person then he can dish out the goodies.

JK12345

chris_spackman wrote: »

Yeah just seen that myself but was hoping to send a parcel to one regiment and stick with that as it seems a bit more personal and show my support by sending it to one person then he can dish out the goodies.

Cos of security, I guess the best way then would be to ring the MOD and ask how it should be done, as at the end of the day, BFPO deal with masses of mail, so there is always a chance of a not so nice packet getting through, so you really need to know how it can be done safely, and to ensure they get it, they are always helpful on the phone, so it might be an idea.

That said if any of my laxy friends get up and reply sooner they may be able to offer alternatives! lol

Jx

chris_spackman

That'll be cool! Already sent emails off to Tetley, Colgate and Mcvities!

Cat695

Go into a post office thats local to an military camp and speak to them (if you can) as they will have all the info you need.

don't send chocolate!!!

lots of stickies (sweets) always cheers the guys up so they can chew on stuff when out on patrol....

Bluebird24

JK12345 wrote: »

Cos of security, I guess the best way then would be to ring the MOD and ask how it should be done, as at the end of the day, BFPO deal with masses of mail, so there is always a chance of a not so nice packet getting through, so you really need to know how it can be done safely, and to ensure they get it, they are always helpful on the phone, so it might be an idea.

That said if any of my laxy friends get up and reply sooner they may be able to offer alternatives! lol

Jx

It's the masses of mail that's the problem. They can only deliver so much and if everyone's sending packages over, there's a good chance that the ones from their actual friends and family will get held up.