Packers Prepare Christmas Boxes For Overseas Personnel

A team of packers in a warehouse in southern England is continuing a century-old tradition of sending Christmas gifts to servicemen and women on operations away from home.

Charles Wookey of the charity UK4U says they aim to put things in the boxes that are useful and helpful.

“It’s a variety of things that will hopefully be appreciated by the customer”

The very first Christmas boxes were sent during the First World War. The seasonal box was the idea of Princess Mary. The daughter of King George V wanted to send a gift to personnel on active service in 1914.

Since 2005, UK4U has sent boxes to Afghanistan, the Falklands and Belize, as well as to ships and submarines. The Christmas boxes have become known as the "square stocking" and service personnel are encouraged to give feedback because the contents vary each year.

Former reservist James Gray is an MP and chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces. He said the gifts are a worthwhile exercise for service personnel on operations overseas.

” I hope it makes them think that people back in Britain are thinking about us”

UK4U is appealing for donations to ensure that Operation Christmas Box can continue in years to come.