Our gorgeous Christmas Smiles Boxes are ready!
Over 100 volunteers came together this week to pack our gorgeous Christmas Smiles Boxes. Soldiers, corporate volunteers, friends, family and school children from the local school, came together in Bovington to become Christmas Smile elves. 2,000 boxes will be sent to little troopers, who have a parent serving away over the festive period.
Our volunteer elves also had a moment of stardom on the day. ITV’s This Morning were with us for a live broadcast and BBC South Today were recording throughout the morning. Bauer Radio also came to speak to Louise and some military people whose children had received the boxes last year.
Louise said, “I love these Christmas boxes. This is the third year that we have sent them out to our little troopers. It is so lovely to see the joy they bring. I am so grateful to all of our volunteers, some of who have been with us every year. The day is always exhausting, but we had a record this year – 2,000 boxes were packed by 13.45!”
The boxes, which are part of our Christmas Smiles campaign, are packed with goodies. There are lots of Little Troopers deployment resources to help with deployment, alongside Santa hats, chocolate buttons, bubbles and more!
Away from home
15 pupils from Bovington Academy and their headteacher, joined us on the day. The children have all had Christmas without a parent at home. When Dotty was talking about her dad being away she told us, “It feels really sad, because we don’t have much contact and don’t get to see him.”
Oakley wanted to send a message to the children, whose Mum or Dad is deployed this year, said, “Just remember wherever they are that they love you.”
Sending boxes everywhere
1,500 boxes were collected by military welfare teams from across the country, some driving over five hours to reach us. 500 boxes will be sent out to individual families. Application for those will open over the next week. Ensure you are signed up to our newsletter to receive the details!
Christmas Smiles
We have an action-packed December to bring Christmas Smiles to your families. As well as our gorgeous boxes, we have a Christmas dance workshop, fun Elf workshop, weekly giveaways, Panto tickets and special screenings at five Odeon cinemas. Keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels for news.
Thank you
We want to say a massive thank you to Mott Macdonald, Babcock, MCFT Food Equipment Service and Vivo for your support for the Christmas Smiles campaign.
