Estate agents box clever to brighten troops' Christmas

A SUTTON estate agent has been inundated with shoeboxes full of Christmas gifts to send out to troops in Afghanistan.

Following the launch of Acres' campaign to support Operation Shoebox, Lance Sergeant Draper of the Irish Guards and Gunner Bowen of the Royal Horse Artillery visited the Sutton office to lend their support.

Both soldiers are due to go to Afghanistan in 2010.

Gunner Bowen said: "All of these are very useful, especially the wet wipes, Pringles and Vaseline."

Lance Sergeant Draper said: "It's great to see the public support.

"It means a lot to us and the boys and girls out there will be chuffed."

Acres has also received a message of support from Conservative leader, David Cameron.

He said: "I am delighted to offer my support for Operation Shoebox, and to all those who are helping to bring Christmas cheer to our forces serving overseas. This is great idea.

"No one needs reminding of the professionalism and courage of those serving their country in Afghanistan and elsewhere, but Operation Shoebox reminds us of the difference we can all make – in however small a way – in improving their quality of life.

"This especially is the case as we approach Christmas, when our servicemen and women will be away from their families and loved ones.

"So I would like to wish Operation Shoebox 2009 every success."

Acres is collecting shoeboxes at each of its six offices including Sutton Coldfield and Four Oaks until November 20 when the boxes will be sent out to troops by Christmas.

Mike Weaver, a partner in the business, said: "The real Christmas spirit is very much alive and well in our area.

"We feel proud to be a very small cog in the wheel which will provide some Christmas cheer to our incredibly brave troops away from home in a hostile environment."