LETTERS of thanks have been flooding in to the Echo from soldiers fighting on the frontline in Afghanistan.

In the last month the soldiers serving in Helmand Province from 2nd Batallion The Rifles have received more than 200 welfare shoeboxes from Dorset residents. So far the Echo-backed campaign has sent 568 boxes to named soldiers serving in war torn zones.

The campaign is organised by Dorchester councillor Molly Rennie, whose son Serjeant Alex Rennie, is one of those serving with 2 Rifles in Afghanistan for the next six months.

This week Sjt Rennie, in Sangin, received a parcel from Dorothy Mizen of Victoria Street, Weymouth, and said: “I think all together my mum has posted more than 200 of these parcels.

“It’s great for the guys to receive them and we really enjoy getting them.”

Weymouth resident Mrs Mizen said she’s pleased her box made it to Afghanistan and that this was her sixth box. She said: “I first started making the boxes because my grandson was serving in Afghanistan and then I received letters from some of the soldiers that spurred me on. “The feedback makes it worthwhile.”

Mrs Mizen puts a variety of gifts in the boxes including sweets, shower gel, aftershave, pencils, books and quiz books.

Commander of the headquarters company in Sangin, Major Marc Briggs, said: “The troops really enjoy receiving parcels from well-wishers back in the UK.

“Not only is it a morale boost with the sweets and other useful items that we get but it also reminds the soldiers they are supported back home.

“Knowing that people at home care about the hard work they are doing is more of a reward than anything material.”

He added: “Every time a soldier receives a package from a well-wisher every attempt is made to contact the sender and thank them. So if people do send parcels please put your name and address in so the soldiers can thank you.”

Boxes can be donated to Dorchester Town Council in North Square, Dorchester, or the Keep Military Museum, Bridport Road, Dorchester.

You can also take them to any Dorset Echo office and we will forward them to Coun Rennie. The offices are on the Granby Estate, Weymouth, Antelope Walk, Dorchester and East Street, Bridport.

For more stories and letters from serving soldiers go to dorsetecho.co.uk/campaigns/shoebox

  • Do you know anyone who is serving in Afghanistan or Iraq and would like a shoebox? If so contact Miriam Phillips on 01305 830986 or miriam.phillips@dorsetecho.co.uk