Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning, launched his ‘Treats for our Troops’ campaign on Saturday 26th September with the Hemel Town Youth Football Club Under-10s squad.

Local people are invited to make up a “shoe-box” parcel and deposit it at one of a number of collection points in the area to be sent on to our troops in Afghanistan. There will also be an opportunity to donate money towards ready-made “shoe-box” parcels.

Mike said:
“It was a fantastic start to the campaign, and I am delighted that these young boys and girls are keen to support our brave servicemen and women who are fighting for our country in Afghanistan. Time and again I get asked how people can help and this is a great way to show our support.

“My old regiment, the Grenadier Guards, is soon to go to Afghanistan and this seemed an ideal opportunity to launch this ‘Treats for our Troops’ campaign.”

Mike also presented the Under-10s squad with three training footballs, kindly donate by Mitre in appreciation of their work in launching this campaign.

The Post Office does not accept parcels to our troops unless they are addressed to a named soldier. Mike has therefore arranged for parcels from local people to be addressed to a named serviceman or woman and then deposited in bulk directly to the BFPO at Mill Hill.

Mike is appealing to local organisations or individuals for help in advertising the campaign, donating suitable items for the ready-made parcels or to act as a collection point.

The packages must meet the following criteria
Max weight 2kg
Min One surface at least 90mm x 140mm
Max length + Depth + Width= 900mm, with greatest single dimension not more than 600mm.

The destination address should be left blank, but donors can add a ‘sender’ address on the back (and clearly marked “FROM”) if they wish. Similarly if they wish their parcel to go to a specific unit then that should be made clear on the parcel.

Packets should be deposited unsealed to ensure that there are no prohibited items included (such as aerosols or pornographic literature).

Parcels can be deposited at the following collection points (more points will become available in the near future):

Mike’s office at 6th Floor, Hamilton House, Marlowes (opposite former Market Square), tel: 01442 450444.

Hemel Hempstead Conservatives, Davidson House, 168 Queensway, 01442 255034.

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