By Isle of Wight Observer
It may seem too early to be thinking about Christmas, but IOW Operation Shoebox – The Smile Club, are starting their annual appeal for small gifts for troops deployed in Afghanistan, Estonia, Somalia, Bahrain, Cyprus and Iraq.
Suggested donations include sweets, chocolate or biscuits, savoury snacks, toiletries including shower gel, roll-on deodorant, toothpaste and moisturiser or other small items such as playing cards, puzzle-books and novelty socks. They are unable to accept aerosols, alcohol or anything in a glass container.
The last date for donations is October 10, with boxes despatched in early November to reach Army, Navy, Air Force and Royal Marines before Christmas.
There are collection boxes in Allsorts Hair & Beauty, Pyle Street, Newport, The Central Store, Avenue Road and ‘Tis The Season (opposite the Old Comical) in Sandown and there will shortly be a collection box at Morrisons in Lake.
Why not buy a small gift for somebody who is serving overseas and away from their home and loved ones this Christmas – and help them join The Smile Club.
Isle of Wight Observer