Gift appeal for troops spending Christmas in Kabul

The charity Support Our Soldiers says with main British involvement in Afghanistan at an end many people do not realise there is still a substantial UK presence there, for example 2 Scots are currently on an eight month tour of duty there as part of the mission to train the Afghan national army.

The charity also supports the Navy, currently patrolling the Pacific, army medics in Sierra Leone treating the Ebola virus, the RAF in Iraq and other operations not widely publicised.

The charity’s Scottish coordinator, Lynn O’Brien, said: “People have been generous over the years in donating to our morale boosting packages. Over the festive season many of our troops will not be home and some have little or no family contact.

“So we want to make Christmas Day a special day for everyone by sending out our special Christmas Cheer Box full of a taste of home and a present for them to open.”

Well-wishers are asked to donate a “morale box” with a wrapped present, an individual Christmas pudding, individual Christmas cake or a small selection packet (not box) and other goodies, and possibly a Christmas card or letter with a message of support.

You don’t have to include your contact details, and there’s no guarantee anyone might reply, but in most cases troops on the receiving end write back to express their thanks.

All donations may be handed into participating branches of Co-operative Funeralcare (all drop off points are listed on the web site).

For further information visit www.supportoursoldiers.org.uk or Facebook: Support Our Soldiers - Scotland