Supply bid will need help from our readers

A RALLYING call has been issued to Standard readers to help support our troops by sending supplies to soldiers in Afghanistan.

The Standard has teamed-up with Support Our Soldiers to make the appeal ahead of Armed Forces Day on June 30.

Residents are being urged to fill shoeboxes with everyday items including toiletries, snacks, confectionery, sweets and clothing.

Toiletries could include toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, roll-on deodorant, talc, razors and shaving gel.

Crisps, nuts, pork scratchings, savoury rice, noodles and beef jerky are acceptable as snacks as is boiled sweets, toffee, fudge, energy sweets, fruit pastilles, mints and chewing gum.

Other items troops need include bootlaces, hair scrunchies, grips and slides, socks, men and women’s underwear and T-shirts.

Simple medicines and medical items, such as paracetamol, indigestion tablets, plasters, insect repellent and sunscreen are also needed.

And it is hoped people will also send paperback books, magazines, puzzle books, cards, pens, pencils and notebooks.

Some items, including alcohol, aerosols, glass items or lighters and matches must not be sent, in line with Military of Defence regulations.

In addition, with London 2012 just a few weeks away, it is hoped outdoor games, such as frisbees and tennis and badminton sets will be donated so the soldiers can hold their own mini Olympics where they are based.

Rebecca Hancox, Bromsgrove and Redditch’s Support Our Soldiers co-ordinator, said the parcels were important to let the troops know people back in the UK had not forgotten them.

“The responses we had at Christmas and Easter were absolutely excellent and I’m hoping this one will be the same.”

Boxes can be dropped off at The Standard’s office at Webb House, Church Green East, Redditch.

For more on information call Rebecca on 07884 184982 or e-mail bromsgrove@supportoursoldiers.co.uk. Visit www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk for more information on what items can be put into the boxes.

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