Send a Christmas shoebox to a soldier

Support Our Soldiers posts shoe boxes containing festive-themed treats to the front-line in time for Christmas.

This year’s appeal has now been launched and Rotherham’s branch co-ordinator Tracy Mounsey said that she was hoping to repeat the success of last year.

She said: “Last year was my first Christmas with the charity and the amazing people of Rotherham responded to the appeal in their hundreds.

“I was totally overwhelmed and thrilled that so many local people care about our brave military on overseas operations during the Christmas period.

“I had many lovely letters from soldiers saying thanks for their parcels, messages and cards made by the children at Woodsetts Primary School.”

There are three charities approved by the Ministry of Defence to send out parcels to troops. SOS will be allocated a 12-day slot to send out all parcels from 75 co-ordinators across the UK.

Tracy added: “It is imperative that we abide by the rules set out so that we do not overwhelm the British Forces Post Office system with unauthorised parcels.

“It is most important that service personnel families can get their parcels through, so that's why we must ensure we post out our charity care packages at the approved time.

“The Christmas parcels are special, we want our boys and girls to get a Christmas gift, so we don't put in the usual monthly items.”

All items must follow the charity’s guidelines and fit into a standard shoe box which will be provided. Suggestions include sweets, biscuits, a Christmas card or gloves.

To get involved contact Tracy directly on 07986 130162 or email Rotherhamsupportoursoldiers.co.uk. The deadline for parcels is October 17.