AIBU? Christmas shoe box appeal for...

[vivacian]

...British troops in Afganistan??

This popped up on a Facebook community page, appealing for shoe boxes of toiletries, sweets etc for the "Yorkshire lads and lasses" that are out there keeping us safe whilst we enjoy a warm and cosy Christmas.

I think anyone away from home serving in the armed forces or studying at uni, or having emigrated appreciates a gift from home. If you want to send out a parcel to a loved one or a stranger, that's lovely.

But, AIBU to see two problems with this kind of organised public donation? Firstly, a political question - how are troops deployed in Afganistan "keeping us safe"? I hate this American-style, unquestioning, worshipping of the armed forces.
Secondly, they are professionals and no more, no less, deserving than all kinds of public servants who will be working over Christmas.

I doubt many people would have a spare shoebox at this time of year. They're all earmarked for poverty-struck children, via Samaritan's Purse, Blythwood, and the other charities who send them worldwide. Our church always asks for our spare boxes along with as many as we can afford to fill, to give the poor kids a lovely Christmas.

Surely their families will be sending then stuff?
I've filled a shoebox to go to a local homeless person as they have noone, no wage, no family nothing!