Christopher Pincher Launches Troop’s Shoe Box Campaign

Christopher Pincher launches his Troop’s shoe box campaign

Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, has launched a local campaign to pack welfare boxes for our local battalion 3 Mercian, while in Afghanistan in Christmas 2013 and early 2014.

Christopher is working with the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Tamworth Herald, local residents, organisations, businesses and the Mercian Regiment Headquarters in Whittington to pack a box for every soldier on deployment from 3 Mercian (the Staffords) and 4 Mercian (Reservists) for their deployment from October 2013.

Together they will organise packing of boxes with a selection of items including biscuits, sweets, crisps, playing cards, puzzle books, toiletries and a personal handwritten note of thanks for our soldiers.  Over 700 boxes must be packed to be sent out to our troops from Autumn 2013 providing a little cheer for their tour.

This campaign is about doing the small things, which together can add up to make a real difference and a positive message to our brave men and women.  It is about showing just how proud Tamworth is of our local regiment, the Mercian Regiment.  The regiment was formed in Tamworth and Tamworth will always be its home.

Christopher Pincher, Member of Parliament for Tamworth, said, “In the wake of a very successful beanie hat campaign this is another way in which local people can show their support for our troops on their final tour as the ‘Staffords’.  Christmas is a time when we should all be with our families, yet unfortunately, some of our brave servicemen and women cannot be due to their valuable work in Afghanistan.  This is why the Christmas box is such a good cause and a great way to show support for our troops.”

Boxes will be packed at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Curator of the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Danielle Pritchard said, “The Staffordshire Regiment Museum is very proud to support the Mercian Regiment, this is an important local campaign and we encourage everyone to get involved.  The museum looks forward to hosting box packing parties later in the year.”

Mercian Regimental Secretary, Major Jim Massey (retired) said, “We are both delighted and very grateful for the work performed by the numerous voluntary groups and local people who want to support our soldiers.  We know from past experience that receiving a parcel or message from members of the public is a huge morale booster to soldiers while on operations.

“It goes without saying that Tamworth and Lichfield have always been extremely supportive towards both the past the Staffordshire Regiment and it successor the Mercian Regiment.  I will inform the commanding officer of 3 Mercian about what is going on and look forward to doing so.”

Below is a list of suggested parcel items but this is not by any means definitive.  There are many other items which can be included but the key is to keep these small and light as parcels are size and weight restricted.

Travel or individual packs are ideal rather than family or bulk packs.  We will also include a variety of items; these are far nicer to receive than for example a box containing just toiletries.

Toiletries
Moisturiser, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel, Roll on Deodorant, Razors, Shaving Gel, Talcum Powder, Foot Powder, Cotton Buds, Wet/Moist Wipes, Tissues, Lip Salve, Travel Wash, Sanitary Protection

Savoury Snacks
Pringles, Crisps, Nuts, Pork Scratchings, Beef Jerky, Savoury Rice, Noodles, Oatcakes, Crackers, Stock Cubes, Packet Soups

Sweet Snacks
Fruit/Cereal Bars, Fruit Flakes, Dried Fruit, Shortbread, Small Cakes, Biscuits, Small Tins Fruit, Packets Custard

Confectionery
Travel sweets, Toffee, Fudge, Kendal Mint Cake, Energy Sweets, Love Hearts, etc Fruit Pastilles, etc Lollipops, Mints Chewing, Gum

Clothing
Socks/Undies, T Shirts, Underwear

Recreation
Paperback, Books, Magazines (NOT TOP SHELF), Puzzle Books, Crossword Books, Playing Cards, Travel Board Games, Jigsaws, Pens, Pencils, Notebooks, Artists Paints, Sketch Books, Batteries

Pharmacy
Zinc Oxide tape, Imodium, Rennie, Paracetamol, Plasters, Ibuprofen, After sun/Aloe Vera, Insect Repellent, Sun Screen

Misc
Boot Laces, Blank Greetings Cards, Small Tins of Meat, Santa Hats, Message of Support

Items for the boxes can be delivered to Mr Pincher’s constituency office at 23 Albert Road, B79 7JS or the Tamworth Herald Offices at Ventura Retail park during normal office hours.