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Thursday, November 20, 2008, 12:00
On Saturday, customers will get the chance to contribute to the parcels which are being sent by volunteers to the front line for soldiers who cannot make it home for the festive season.
When Jan Smith and Jackie Brown did a similar collection for Iraq soldiers five years ago, they filled an amazing 340 boxes – and hopes are high that this year's effort will be even greater.
"It will make such a difference, any help that people can give us, any small items they can spare to give a soldier a happier Christmas," said Jan.
"If shoppers can add just one small item to their shopping and donate it to a soldier, it will make all the difference in the world.
"Last time we had so many letters from Iraq servicemen and women, saying how touched they were that people back home hadn't forgotten them."
Some of these letters will be on display in Asda's foyer for shoppers to read.
Items desperately needed to fill the shoebox presents include disposable razors, small packets of baby wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mints, roll-on deodorant, shower gel, bar soap and moisturiser.
Small packets of biscuits, savoury rice or noodles, small chocolate bars, sachets of hot drink powder and Bovril cubes will also be welcomed.
No tins, items in glass jars or aerosols can be accepted.
"If people want to write out a Christmas card and put it in a box, we would be so grateful too.
"It's about making Christmas special for people who are in such difficult circumstances.
"A greeting from a friend back home could really do that," Jan added.
The filled boxes will be wrapped in Christmas paper and sent to an outpost in Afghanistan early next month, for delivery in time for Christmas.
Jan and Jackie, along with Jan's husband Roy and Asda's Brian Broughton, will be collecting items in the Ventura Park store between 9am and 6pm on Saturday, November 22.
A list of suitable items will be on display and members of the team can advise on which goods are most needed.
For more local news and pictures see the November 20 edition of the Tamworth Herald - in the shops now.
Bringing Christmas cheer... Jackie Brown, Brian Broughton, Roy Smith and Jan Smith get ready to fill shoeboxes at Asda for soldiers in Afghanistan. (PB10606-9914TH)
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