Support Cheshire’s troops – it only takes a Jiffy!

Wed 16th June 2010 12.22PM

THE CALL has gone out to show Cheshire’s soldiers how much we care – by sending gifts to them as they put their lives on the line in Afghanistan. The 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) – which recruits from the Macclesfield area - has deployed to Helmand Province for a sixmonth tour of duty. While they are fighting for their country in the frontline, the battalion’s welfare committee is co-ordinating the collection of ‘goody bags’ to send to them.

The Cheshire soldiers really appreciate the gifts you send. Popular items to fill Jiffy bags include:
• Book/magazine/puzzle book
• Lucozade tablets
• Pens/pencils
• Toothpaste/toothbrush
• Shampoo
• Roll-on deodorant
• Vaseline
• Soap/wet wipes
• Disposable razors
• Tampons/sanitary towels and tissues (for women’s bags)
• Playing cards
• Sachet of drinking chocolate
• Super noodles
• Cuppa soups
• Packets of mints or chewing gum
• Boiled or jelly sweets
• Salted peanuts
• Small ring-pull tins of food (eg. tuna, fruit)
• Powdered milk

Cheshire East Mayor Gordon Baxendale said: “The Cheshires are putting their lives on the line for their county and comrades in a very stressful and physically demanding environment. “It is really important that we let them know they have the backing of the public back home.” The Jiffy bags can weigh up to 2kg and must NOT be sealed. They can include a card from the donor with a return address so that the soldier can write back with his/her heartfelt thanks.

Jiffy bags need to be handed to the central collection point at Congleton Pentecostal Church, in Cross Street, Congleton, to be sent on to Marne Barracks, Catterick. From there they will be taken to the frontline troops by soldiers returning to Afghanistan from the UK. Captain John Elms, welfare officer for 1 Battalion Mercian, said: “It is hugely important to get the support of the people of East Cheshire behind our soldiers – and they really appreciate it.”