A CHARITY has delivered 300 Christmas presents to children whose parents are serving overseas in the military.
Little Troopers supports those living across Salisbury Plain as it expects thousands of children across the UK to have a parent serving overseas this Christmas.
Its Christmas Smiles campaign was set up as the charity recognises that this is a particularly difficult time of year for military children.
The campaign aims to bring a bit of festive joy to children whose parents may miss their school nativity, carol services, family get-togethers and the magic of Christmas morning.
Little Troopers has worked closely with regiments in Bulford, Tidworth, Perham Down and Boscombe Down to get the boxes to the families most in need.
Founder of Little Troopers Louise Fetigan said: “Christmas Smiles is a campaign we’ve been running for years to support children who have a parent deployed over Christmas. It’s a really hard time of year to be separated from a parent and our aim is to make these children feel special and supported.
“We’re so excited to be putting together our own Christmas boxes this year and we hope they make a real difference to military children in the area who are struggling with their parent away.”
Nichola Dugmore, unit welfare officer at the Defence Serious Crime Unit, said: “The welfare team were overjoyed to receive a number of Christmas Smiles Boxes from the amazing charity, Little Troopers.
"These lovely thoughtful goody boxes will reach the children of our deployed just in time for Christmas. We hope this will bring them a little joy, during what is a truly difficult time to have a parent deployed overseas.”
The Little Troopers Christmas Smiles boxes have been made possible thanks to funding from the Veterans’ Foundation, Pinnacle Service Families, RUK Advanced Systems and Day One People. Special thanks also to JDT Utilities for helping to transport the boxes.
David Shaw, CEO of the Veterans’ Foundation, said he's "delighted" to support the "fabulous" initiative.
Little Troopers has also organised lots of other activities as part of its Christmas Smiles campaign including free cinema screenings, an online party, and a Christmas baking event.
For more information visit littletroopers.net.
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