Local volunteers from charity calling on people to help keep troops warm this winter (From Dorset Echo)
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Local volunteers from charity calling on people to help keep troops warm this winter
12:00pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News By Harry Hogger
VOLUNTEERS: Gloria Ashwell and Amanda Saunders are appealing for donations of hats, scarves and gloves for troops
LOCAL volunteers for a soldiers’ charity are calling on people to help keep our troops warm this winter.
Dorset representatives of the Support Our Soldiers charity are appealing for winter warmers that they can send out to Armed Forces personnel serving their country in Afghanistan and other parts of the world to give them a ‘tremendous morale boost’.
The county’s branch of Support Our Soldiers sends out shoe boxes packed with treats to soldiers every month and as the temperature bites in overseas areas where our men and women are serving, it is hoping to receive extra donations of hats, scarves and gloves.
Area co-ordinator for Dorset Chris Worsfold said: “The Dorset branch sends a minimum of 30 shoe boxes each month to the troops in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world.
“The donation of knitted hats, scarves, gloves and mittens would be a tremendous morale boost to receive in the boxes.
“Temperatures at night are well below freezing and these garments will be really welcomed.”
The Support Our Soldiers team is also looking to hear from anyone who can donate wool for its volunteers to use to knit garments for the troops as well as people willing to do some knitting themselves.
Mr Worsfold said: “We are also looking for any donations of balls of wool and volunteers who could help with the knitting of the garments for such a worthwhile cause.”
He added: “It would also be great if any shops could act as collection points for donations, not only for this appeal but donations of food and toiletries throughout the year.”
The charity is always ready to receive donations of general items for its shoe boxes, such as toiletries, snacks, sweets, books and warm clothing.
A full list of recommended items can be found online by visiting www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk Donations locally can be sent directly to Amanda Saunders at 68 Herringston Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2BT.
For more information about the work of the Dorset branch of Support Our Soldiers you can email dorset@supportoursoldiers.co.uk
