OPERATION SHOE BOX   <shapetypeid_x0000_t75strokedffilledfpathm@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xeo:preferrelativeto:spt75coordsize21600,21600><strokejoinstylemiter><formulas><feqnif lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0><feqnsum @0 1 0><feqnsum 0 0 @1><feqnprod @2 1 2><feqnprod @3 21600 pixelWidth><feqnprod @3 21600 pixelHeight><feqnsum @0 0 1><feqnprod @6 1 2><feqnprod @7 21600 pixelWidth><feqnsum @8 21600 0><feqnprod @7 21600 pixelHeight><feqnsum @10 21600 0><patho:connecttyperectgradientshapeokto:extrusionokf><lockaspectratiotv:extedit>   The  idea that gives you the opportunity to help lift spirits and make life a little more bearable for our service men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The idea is to encourage people to fill a shoe box with a range of goodies and useful items that would mean so much to the troops, some of whom have been away from the UK for months and missing basic items that we normally take for granted.    We are appealing for people to help fill shoeboxes.  We can arrange collection of the boxes and onward delivery to the RAF for distribution to our troops in the field.    Ian Whiteway one of the organisers said “I’m sure lots of people will be keen to help our troops at a time when they are far from home and engaged in difficult tasks in Iraq and Afghanistan.  It is the little, more humane things that make life out there more tolerable, things like deodorant, sweets, razors and wet wipes.  It would be nice if as many people as possible filled a shoe box to help bring a little cheer to our troops and importantly, let them know that back home in Britain we are thinking of them. Thank you all!”         If you have any queries, please contact Ian at office@operationshoebox.co.uk   Regional co coordinators for central west and north    SAMANTHA SWAYNE   samantha@operationshoebox.co.uk based in                       BARNSLEY   Sarah Connor        sarah@operationshoebox.co.uk    based in                  HUNTINGDON  Geoff Goff              Geoff@operationshoebox.co.uk   BASED IN                PLYMOUTH WALT ADGER       walt@operationshoebox.co.uk   BASED IN               LIVERPOOL Megan Harvey        megan@operationshoebox.co.uk BASED IN                  South Wales    If you are interested in becoming a regional coordinator drop me a line       office@operationshoebox.co.uk   The nights are cold out there so warm underwear will never be rejected. Please note if you are a business wanting to help please get in touch as your unwanted items really can make a difference Thanks recently to The Juniper Jumpers Club Christchurch 20 boxes        well done! North wilts council 79 boxes                                          well done! Wiltshire Police 24 boxes                                               well done!           Ideas for what CAN be included:   Paperback books, magazines etc Wet wipes (unscented) Tooth brushes and toothpaste Notebooks, pens, pencils Sweets (Werthers Originals are a particular favourite) Super Noodles Foil packed biscuits Cotton underwear (boxers for men) Cotton underwear (female) Sewing kits Flavour ice pops Roll-on deodorant Non-aerosol shaving cream Razors Cuppa Soup/noodles/drink sachets Baby powder Flea collars (for ankles) Chewing gum Soap A personal note Pocket games Shampoo Snacks AT&T phone cards Flip-flops  Please DO NOT INCLUDE:  AEROSOL CANS ( solvents, deodorant etc).or chocolate as this usually melts. Personal messages are encouraged and please do not seal the boxes as they need examining before they go on to a base and on to the transporter,    please mark MALE or FEMALE