Charity Little Troopers has sent 65 Christmas boxes to military children in and around Odiham who have parents serving overseas on military operations and exercises this Christmas.
The boxes are part of the charity’s broader Christmas Smiles campaign, which recognises Christmas is a particularly difficult time of year for children to have mum or dad working away from home.
The charity has worked closely with RAF Odiham to get the boxes to the families most in need.
Little Troopers founder 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 Odiham who are struggling with their parent away.”
The boxes have been funded by the Veterans’ Foundation, Pinnacle Service Families, RUK Advanced Systems and Day One People. JDT Utilities helped transport the boxes.
Veterans’ Foundation chief executive David Shaw said: “We are delighted to support this fabulous initiative which will bring smiles and happiness to military children this Christmas.”
As part of the campaign Little Troopers has also organised free cinema screenings, an online party and a Christmas baking event.