First boxes of treats head off to the troops

12:10pm Wednesday 15th October 2008

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BOXES full of treats for troops are on their way to Afghanistan thanks to a campaign by a Dorchester woman.

Molly Rennie waved off a stash of shoeboxes from the Territorial Army centre in Dorchester at the start of their journey to members of The Rifles regiment.

The batch of shoeboxes will arrive in time for Christmas to cheer up the troops who will be away from their families.

Mrs Rennie, whose son Alexander is serving with The Rifles, is now appealing to people to help provide even more shoeboxes of treats to send to the servicemen and women out in Afghanistan and in Iraq. She launched the campaign in July.

Her husband John, who is helping co-ordinate the appeal, said they had been overwhelmed by the support from people of all ages.

He said: “Shoeboxes have been coming in thick and fast. It’s amazing.

“We’ve had boxes from pensioner groups and sheltered housing and all sorts, all ages.

“This appeal seems to have captured the imagination of people who want to show their support for the troops.

“This first lot of shoeboxes will be there for Christmas and we’re already collecting them in for the next batch to go out from January.

“It just shows how people want to support the troops. Even those who don’t agree with the action are supporting our troops out there.”

The boxes are being sent to named individuals to avoid changes in policy by the MoD which will not transport free gifts that do not have a specific destination.

The Dorset Echo is backing the Gifts for our Heroes Campaign and is receiving filled boxes and items at its Weymouth and Dorchester offices.

Mrs Rennie said: “People are being marvellous and so supportive about this. I think there is a nice feel-good factor about it.”

She said people could either give a box of treats or contribute items that would be packed up with others.

The first wave of boxes heading out from Dorchester include Christmas cards and messages along with books, toiletries and more.

Mr and Mrs Rennie are asking people not to include food that would perish or items such aerosols, razors, mirrors or fragile items. To find out more, contact Mrs Rennie on 01305 268572.