Praise for generosity of local people

Postmaster Jonathan Armstrong, and wife Sarah, have been organising, packing and sending boxes of donated treats and necessities to boost morale and show support to British troops fighting the cause in Afghanistan for the past 18 months.

The couple said they are delighted to report that, thanks to the continued kindness of local folk, the boxes sent to British troops in war torn Afghanistan had topped 1,300. Sarah said: “I can’t believe that we have reached 1,300 parcels just through the generosity of local people.

“At this time of the year and with Remembrance Sunday approaching I wanted to remind the public that we still have lads fighting a war and we need to remember them too.”

The local post office has received many letters of thanks from the troops who appreciate the support. A letter written by Lance Corporal Simon Leech and signed by twenty five soldiers said:

“ Just to say a big, big thank you for sending me and the boys all those parcels with the goodies inside. They were a big morale boost for the lads, they thought Christmas had come early! So thank you for taking the time to send them and we will hopefully look forward to receiving some more. Thank you.”

Sarah said as long as people continue to donate to this worthy cause they will continue to send the parcels but there are a couple of restrictions on what they can send: “We only ask that people don’t give chocolate or aerosol cans, but just about anything else will do and with Christmas approaching a few gifts such as playing cards etc., would be very welcome. We also take cash and spend it very wisely.”

Donations of small gift items such as sweets, biscuits, pot noodles, magazines, paperback books, shower gel, face-wipes, disposable razors, and roll-on deodorant, can be left at Windmill Drive Post Office, the Bexhill Observer offices in Sackville Road, and at Sainsbury’s, Bexhill where there is a collection point.

Sarah said gift items don’t need to be wrapped or weighed and the addition of a Christmas card will be greatly appreciated by the troops.