A CALDICOT couple who send in the region of 50 parcels a month to our troops in Afghanistan to boost morale are seeking Christmas donations.

Lynne and Richard Hockey, of Taff Road, are appealing for people to donate anything from books to toiletries, travel games and savoury snacks to send to soldiers in Afghanistan.

The Hockeys are volunteer coordinators for the charity Support Our Soldiers. They send parcels to soldiers each month containing sweets, shower gel and toothpaste.

On August 1 the charity, which supports members of the British armed forces on overseas operations, launches its Christmas appeal and is hoping organisations, church groups and businesses will help by donating items to pack or act as a collection point. Mrs Hockey said: “We send around 50 parcels a month, including donations from the Pot Noodle factory and Burtons Biscuits, as long as the box weighs under two kilograms.

“We call it morale in a box as they are items to keep our troops going and provide things they need and to keep them occupied, like puzzles or joke books. We are also appealing for any sewing or knitting clubs to make bobble hats or cool ties.

For the Christmas appeal Mrs Hockey fills Christmas stockings with goodies to be shipped out in November. She says she was inspired to volunteer for the little-known charity, which since 2003 has sent 100,000 parcels to our troops, by her two nephews who went on active service to Afghanistan in 2009.

“It’s so rewarding and touching when I receive a lovely poem or letter thanking me for the parcels,” she said.

“We are a link home for them and try to provide little things they really appreciate.”

People can sponsor a box for £5 or drop items at Country Flowers, Caldicot, and Shopmobility, in Newport.

For further information, email Mrs Hockey at caldicot@supportoursoldiers.

co.uk or visit supportoursoldiers.

org