Help required please ... Xmas boxes for Soldiers

[weekendwellies]

I will be sending them in with the kids to Cadets, but you can send them yourself:
someone kindly sent this link:

operationshoebox.co.uk - operation shoebox

contact Ian at
[email protected]

I think Cadets send them to the Merseyside HQ and they send them to North West HQ and then they all get sent to some other HQ and so on until the whole countries cadets boxes are together and then they get sent out all together. Not sure about that, but that is what generally happens with anything to do with cadets.

[dexterdoglancashire]

I dont mean to sound critical of these organisations as I realise they are very busy, but after a week of trying to contact various ones both via email and phone, I would like to thank Ian at Operation shoe box who got back to me. I shall now be sending 6 Christmas boxes out to our troops.
If anyone can make up, even one box that would mean a hellofalot to the guys and gals out there.
Thanks
Bernie

[Jeanied]

I'm definitely going to do one - what is the latest date for xmas boxes, does anyone know?

[Sprocket*]

Have just been spurred on to do my bit and have contacted opeation shoe box to see about sending a minimum of 4 boxes to the troops out there. I have little experience of the forces but am certain that someone will appreciate it...

[dexterdoglancashire]

I'm definitely going to do one - what is the latest date for xmas boxes, does anyone know?

27 November

[Jeanied]

Well, I've been out shopping and I have put some of the things in my two boxes that were suggested on the website - now I want to know - how cold is it out there in Helmand over the next 2 months? Should I be putting cold cures in my boxes - or handwarmers (the ones you click to heat up) - or a scarf?
Anyone got any good ideas?
In each box so far
- a small tin of Heinz macaroni cheese
- a pack of playing cards
- a small pack of handy wet wipes
- a 5 pack of chewing gum
- a tin of vaseline 'lip therapy'
- a tube of starburst
- a 3 pack of pens
- a pack of 16 foam christmas shapes - one stars and one christmas trees
I still have oodles of room so what shall I put in next?
(need I say - all excited to be doing this!)
Ooh and another thing - do I put a card in wishing happy Xmas from me or does it all have to be anonymous?

[dexterdoglancashire]

I'd check out the allowed lists on the web sites already mentioned. I didnt realise that christmas crackers werent allowed.

[Jeanied]

Bumping this one because it is such a good cause - I'm sure we would all agree after this year's Remembrance events. I cried buckets.
I have put the notice up at work and I think we are going to send 5 or 6 boxes this Christmas from my team - there is still time for any like minded grapes before the 27th November.
If you follow this link
operationshoebox.co.uk - operation shoebox
you will find a local organiser or an email link - this will give you a number of addresses to post to -we are going to try one to each at work. These will go to the post office as it is post free. I have had such fun filling my boxes and the team spirit at work has been great!

[dexterdoglancashire]

The direct email for Ian Whiteway at operation shoebox is:
[email protected] (he's given me permission to put this on here direct).
He can email you all the info you need to know, with addresses to send your parcels to. (I cant put them on here for security reasons)

[northmaid]

We're organising boxes at work and the hints we've had are - Lypsil or vaseline for cracked lips, tins of M&S curry/Marmite(anything to give flavour to the food), paperback books (nothing with a racy cover otherwise it will be confiscated), chewing gum or boiled sweets. One hint was that one of the most welcome things to include was a card which showed that our troops are thought of and appreciated.

[Jeanied]

My boxes are each getting a travel wash and a Christmas decoration. When I went in to Body Shop for some toiletries they also gave me a stack of samples in tiny pots to put in as well. I'm writing the cards tonight and then I get to choose which regiment to send to - at the moment I'm going for the Anglians and the Welsh! Also the Signals.

[SlugLobber]

Is there a list somewhere of which regiments are serving out there? I'd quite like to send something to the Lancashire Fusiliers, being a Northern bird meself.

[Jeanied]

Hi SlugLobber - just email Ian Whiteway in DDL's post no 24 above - and he will list the regimental contacts for you: this is because the Post Office need a named person to accept a shoebox post free - so all you need to do is hand it over! You may find your first choice is not listed but there are about 6 or 7 to choose from!

[David James]

Re: Help required please ... Xmas boxes for Soldiers

We do our best to cover as many units/regiments as possible, across all Services. Those who take receipt of the packages know that they're to be distributed, and wherever possible that they should go to those who don't have family or don't receive packages/mail on a regular basis. We also send to the Padres or WOs who again distribute to those most in need of cheer.

[geoff]

They say that war is 95% boredom and 5% sheer terror, so troops spend a lot of time sitting around. I remember hearing years ago that there was an appeal for books & magazines to be sent to troops in Northern Ireland. But it was organised by the W.I or the W.R.V.S and they wouldn't send any of the girlie mags they recieved. Whether you like it or not, those would probably have been very much appreciated
But how about magazines on other mainly male interests( yes, I know there are women in the army too) like cars or football

Chewing gum and sweets are included in ration packs, so it might not be worth sending them. Just put 'ration packs' into google and you can see what food is already available