The Walnuts have once again linked up with Operation Shoebox UK, a Voluntary Organisation who co-ordinate the sending of care parcels to our Troops serving abroad, especially in Afghanistan. The campaign officially launches this Saturday 16th February and shoppers are being asked to fill an empty shoebox with everyday items such as deodorant, sweets, razors and wet wipes. Shoppers are being urged to come along on Saturday to catch the cadets in action raising awareness for this worthy cause. There will also be a representative from Operation Shoebox UK to answer any questions you may have, plus win an armed forces teddy in the special raffle. Bring your box along at Walnuts Shopping Centre and remember to tape two £1 coins to the lid to aid delivery expenses. The boxes will then be sent to the UK’s brave servicemen and women around the globe including Afghanistan.
Shoeboxes can include any of the following: Gloves, hats, scarves (black only), toothpaste & toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo, foot powder, wet wipes, crisps, nuts, Pringles, Pot Noodles, Oxo cubes, cereal bars, sweets, chewing gum, small bags of dried fruit, sweet and savoury biscuits, instant custard, small tins of: baked beans, ravioli, tuna, macaroni cheese, puzzle books, pens, dvds, cds, tea bags, hot drink sachets. A full list available on the Walnuts website.
Centre Manager, Martin Price, commented: “We are very honoured to have the first box donated by the Mayor of Bromley Cllr Michael Turner. Operation Shoe Box is a fantastic organisation and we are running this campaign again due to the great success of previous years. Last year we smashed our target of 500 boxes with a massive grand total of 600 boxes collected! Hopefully this year the people of Orpington can help us exceed last year’s total! People can also include a personal message in their box which will help boost morale and make even more of a difference to the recipient.”
Standard size shoe boxes and filled shoe boxes can be donated to the Walnuts Shopping Centre Management Suite from 16th February.