*** UPDATED: 26th November 2012 - The campaign is now closed for this year. ***

Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning has launched his ‘Treats for our Troops 2012’ campaign. Dacorum residents are invited once again to make up a “shoe-box” parcel and deposit it at one of the collection points to be sent on to our troops in Afghanistan – and, for the first time, the Falkland Islands as well.

Mike Penning MP said:
“We always have such a great response and I have had such a lot of positive feedback from the troops in Afghanistan.

“I liaise directly with the Commanding Officers to ensure that our parcels are distributed to those who do not have much family support from back home and for these servicemen and women in particular, Christmas can be a difficult time.

“There are a large number of women serving in Afghanistan now, so if people make up a parcel that might be more suitable for a female, please put an “F” on the outside.

“I thank the people of Dacorum for their continuing support of this.”

What to do?

Make up a “shoe-box” parcel and deposit it at one of the collection points in the area. If you are unable to make up a shoe-box, you can donate individual items or money and the Hemel Lions will kindly make them up into “shoe-box” parcels.

What to put in it?

Suggestions include: toiletries, savoury snacks, packet soups, cereal bars, confectionery, clothing - socks, t-shirts, books, magazines, pens, sun screen, batteries and a message of support. If your parcel’s content would better suit a female soldier, please mark “F” on the outside.

What not to include
Aerosols, pornographic literature, explosives (!)

Package dimensions
Max weight 2kg
Min One surface at least 90mm x 140mm
Max length + Depth + Width= 900mm, with greatest single dimension not more than 600mm.

Address
Leave the destination address blank, but feel free to put a "FROM" address (clearly marked "FROM")

COLLECTION POINTS

Parcels should be deposited unsealed to one of the following:

• Mike Penning MP Office, 6th Floor, Hamilton House, Marlowes (opposite former Market Square), tel: 01442 450444.
• Hemel Hempstead Conservatives, Davidson House, 168 Queensway, 01442 255034
• Dacorum Borough Council, Civic Centre, Hemel Hempstead
• Hobletts Manor Junior School, Adeyfield Road, Hemel Hempstead
• Bennetts End Community Centre
• Highfield Community Centre
• Kings Langley: The Villager, Charter Court, Vicarage Lane, Kings Langley, WD4 9HR. Tel: 01923 270160
• Markyate: Tates Coaches Office, 44 High Street
• Potten End: Anna Barnard, 9 Hempstead Lane, 01442 874760
• Little Gaddesden: Heather Mole, 35 Ringshall, 01442 842185

Parcels must be received by us before 23rd November 2012 to guarantee that they arrive before Christmas.