As thousands of soldiers prepare for another Christmas fighting for our freedom, one Rhondda Cynon Taf Council employee has been dashing around nearby Asda in Aberdare in a bid to send them a piece of home.
Janet Slade-Jones from the Council’s Catering Services persuaded the superstore, Asda to give her £200.00 to spend in store for supplies for the troops out in Afghanistan.
Janet strategically planned her manoeuvres as she headed off to Asda, hoping to get the most she could for the troops, with the list of goodies including; essential thermal long john’s, vests, socks, sheets and of course some luxury foods – crisps, chocolate and lots more.
Jan with the help of her colleagues in the Council, staff and local residents from around the County Borough sent out 101 boxes at the end of August and have now sent a further 230 boxes for Christmas.
Janet Slade-Jones, who works for the Council’s Meals on Wheels Service, said: “It’s awful to think of our troops being so far away all year round, but at Christmas it must be even worse. I really feel for them and just wanted to help, so we all got together to show our support to the courageous work they are carrying out every day. We have a list a names and addresses and all the parcels are picked up by the army direct, so this is different to the recent advertisement telling people not to send unsolicited parcels. We all hope that our parcels will make a difference to the troops, even if it’s a small one. I would like to thank Steve Cuggy and all the Asda management staff for their donation and helping to make this possible.”
Councillor Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “It is very pleasing to hear that the local community, Council employees and Asda has got together for this very worthy cause. I’m sure that the troops will be very grateful for the goodies they have sent. Christmas is a time for giving and thinking of others and I’m very proud to see members of the Council and the County Borough participating in this selfless task.”
The team plan to continue their worthy operations in the New Year.
If you would like to get involved or donate some goodies, please contact Janet Slade-Jones on 01443 744150.
