A concerned mother is appealing for people to donate presents in support of British troops overseas during the Christmas holidays.
Maggie Saunders from Hatch Warren wants kind-hearted resident's to help cheer up the troops away from their families.
The 58-year-old mother of two currently has relatives serving in the armed forces.
She told the Basingstoke Observer that having loved-ones away fighting is difficult, especially during the festive season.
She said: “Regardless of the time of year, having sons and daughters far away from home is difficult. Though nobody likes to say it, there is not a single day when it is not on your mind.
“However, over Christmas it is made so much harder. You can see all around you families together celebrating while you are reminded how far away yours are.
“It's difficult for the troops as well, they are in a foreign country fighting every single day and during Christmas most will feel more homesick than usual.”
Ms Saunders' son-in-law is currently serving overseas with the parachute regiment.
She said this Christmas will be the first time he is without his family during Christmas. Her five month-pregnant daughter and four-year-old grand daughter will be coming over to her house for the holidays.
By sending a batch of presents for the troops, they will act as a huge morale booster for homesick soldiers.
She said: “These kinds of drives are fairly common across the forces but that does not understate how important it is for them.
“Just knowing that people are back home supporting what they are doing and thinking of them can really cheer them up.”
She hopes that along with her own presents, residents can find the time to send a small, fun gift.
She said: “We are not talking of anything big or even practical. They would love things like tinsel to decorate the outposts or small things under a fiver to help them enjoy the day.
“For example, I am sending out a small, Borat-style mankini for them to mess about in.”
As un-named packages can't be sent directly to the troops, any parcels under two kilos can be delivered to the Basingstoke Observer office,.
For more information, contact Maggie on 07985 418960.
