MORE than 120 care packages will be sent to Australian troops serving overseas this Christmas from the Eaglehawk Post Office today and tomorrow.
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Eaglehawk Post Office postal manager Ardina Davis collected goods from the community for the past few weeks, after the success of a similar drive before Anzac Day this year.
Ms Davis said the Eaglehawk community had embraced the idea.
“It was a community-driven idea,” she said.
“The Eaglehawk community have really gotten behind it.
“The residents from Lilley Lodge have knitted hats and gloves.
“It went so well last time so it’s good to be involved again.”
Bendigo and District RSL also supported the initiative, buying $1000 worth of biscuits, small toiletries, lollies and other creature comforts to send to the troops.
Australia Post agreed to supply the boxes.
Postcards sent back to Eaglehawk Post Office from the recipients of the nearly 100 packages sent abroad in April show the impact of the gifts.
“A common theme that comes through them is they are so pleased people are thinking of them,” Bendigo and District RSL secretary and Vietnam veteran Paul Penno said.
Bendigo and District post-1975 veterans sub-committee president, Grant Thompson, agreed.
“Being remembered is so important,” the East Timor veteran said.
“It reminds them that people at home are thinking of them.”
Both veterans agreed it was a welcome treat to receive something around Christmas time.
“It’s always special to receive anything that reminds you of home,” Mr Thompson said.
“We used to pool our packages together and have a little Christmas celebration.”