Goodwill needed for troops at Christmas

This will be the third year running that kind-hearted readers buy gifts to give to the Biggleswade Chronicle Afghan Appeal.

The presents are opened by the troops in Afghanistan on Christmas Day.

And now we are asking you to help the men and women protecting our country by donating items once again.

As previously, the appeal is being organised by Sandy’s community stalwart, Ken Lynch, with the assistance of RAF Henlow.

The base has put together a list of required items so that unneeded goods do not block the supply chains to the troops.

They would like sweets such as Haribo, skittles, wine gums and pastilles, plenty of roll on deodorant and shower gel, toothpaste, biscuits and crisps.

They also want nuts, foot cream, antiseptic cream, freeze pops and puzzle books. The women would like shampoo, conditioner and sanitary towels as well.

Items best avoided are chocolate because it melts, dried packet food such as mashed potato, Oxo cubes, marmite, tea bags as they are plentiful in the rations and supermarkets’ own value brands.

The aim is to make up 50 welfare packages and these will go to the No 3 RAF Tactical Police Wing from RAF Henlow.

Last year the troops were delighted with the packages and many sent letters back to Chronicle Country to express their gratitude.

They will be sent out at the beginning of November so please start bringing your items in now.

They can be dropped off at the Chronicle’s offices in Biggleswade High Street between 9am and 5.30pm during the working week.