Front-line troops say thanks to kind-hearted Barry folk (From Barry And District News)

Front-line troops say thanks to kind-hearted Barry folk

4:30pm Friday 23rd October 2009 in News

FRONT LINE troops in Afghanistan have thanked Barry residents for the hundreds of parcels that have been sent to them over the past months.

More than 300 boxes containing items such as handwash, deodorant, sweets and letters have been sent out to the troops via 56-year-old Bette Sim of Jewel Street, who has been gathering donations for the boxes since September.

She said: "Once I realised the troops were short of must-have items, I started collecting boxes.

"Shops have been very helpful in allowing me to put baskets in foyers so that shoppers can donate items as well, and now hundreds of boxes have been sent.

"The effort of packing and wrapping is worthwhile when you get thankyou letters like the ones we have just recieved."

The letters thank everyone who has helped fill a box, and describe how much of a morale booster it is to recieve a parcel sent by a stranger.

One letter reads: "It really makes being out here easier to know that there are so many caring people. Thank you residents of Barry!"

Another reads: "The shower gel, handwash and deodorant are being put to very good use I can assure you!

"It was really touching to receive such a lovely box especially because the contents were so thoughtful. Thank you again…..what a morale booster they are."

Bette added: "It goes to show that every box makes a difference, and I would like extend their thanks to everyone who has made a donation to the filling the boxes and the shops who have put baskets out for the collection of items."

There are collection boxes at Aneurin Evans pharmacy at High Street; Morrisons at Barry Waterfront; Mothercare; Copy It on Holton Road; and Scented Garden, also on Holton Road.