VIDEO: Care packages help boost morale for troops
Penny Keen, of Buttermere Way, made up a box of things from home for a friend’s son, then serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan.
That was six years ago and since then, more than 5,000 parcels have been put together with Penny’s help.
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Hide AdShe now works as an area co-ordinator for the national charity Support Our Soldiers and makes up 70 parcels every month for the armed forces serving overseas, plus 155 parcels at Christmas.
Penny said: “The response we get from service personnel is so touching it makes all the hard work worthwhile.
“They tell us receiving the boxes brings home a little nearer and those who perhaps don’t have family feel they have not been forgotten.”
She raises all the funds needed to fill 855 boxes a year – around £8,500 – then shops for the items. She and a small dedicated band of helpers make up the boxes and post them to various places overseas.
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Hide AdFundraising efforts last year included a stall at Armed Forces Day in June, a garden party in Worthing, a bucket collection at Morrisons Littlehampton in August, Littlehampton Town Show in September and the annual supper dance in September.
More area co-ordinators and funds are needed. Anyone interested in helping or making a donation, either of money or goods for the parcels, should contact Penny Keen on 07771 605455, email [email protected] or write to Head Office Support Our Soldiers, 1 North View, Stakeford, Northumberland NE62 5JJ.