Why support Operation Christmas Box?

If you want to support our troops by sending gifts to un-named personnel, supporting a charity like Operation Christmas Box is the best way to let them know that the UK is behind them. 

If you are looking to send a parcel to un-named personnel within the Armed Forces, please consider supporting Operation Christmas Box instead. We work closely with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to make sure that our Christmas Boxes arrive in time for Christmas but we organise sending these boxes months in advance, meaning that it doesn't have an impact on the supply chain  during the busy Christmas period.

What's more, we listen to feedback each year - what presents worked, what didn't - meaning that each year we can make our Christmas Boxes even better! 

Operation Christmas Box Team all have links to the military which gives us insider knowledge into which presents work and which presents did not.

Why you shouldn't send parcels to un-named personnel

It's fantastic that the British public are so supportive of our Armed Forces and the MOD is hugely grateful for the fantastic generosity shown for our Servicemen and Servicewomen, who do a tough job in dangerous circumstances.

However, there have been problems with individuals sending parcels to un-named troops as this support has been overwhelming, especially at Christmas. It has meant that some personal mail has been delayed as a result of this incredible support by the public.

In a study by the MOD, the impact of sending 'unsolicited' mail was negative for the following reasons:

• Unsolicited goodwill parcels place a strain on the logistics supply chain whose primary purpose is to make sure troops in theatre are properly equipped with ammunition, rations, medical supplies and other essential items, to enable them to operate effectively.
• The delivery of such mail to forward operating bases also necessitates additional re-supply flights and convoys which places our personnel at additional risk.
• According to the MOD's estimates, which are based on a modest 2-fold increase in mail volume, the cost of extending the current system to accept 'unsolicited' mail, would be £19M per year.

It is for these reasons that the MOD is keen to encourage the public to demonstrate their support in other ways, such as by supporting Operation Christmas Box.