The Royal Air Forces Association is helping serving personnel feel more connected to home by launching the ‘Wings Doodle Box’.
The boxes will be given to all children who receive a Storybook Wings story from now until the end of 2018 and are being launched to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the hugely popular scheme. The boxes contain a pillow case, wash bag, welcome home banner and cards, all of which can be coloured in using the fabric pens provided. The box itself can also be coloured in to make it stand out in a parent or carer’s bedroom.
Shameera Mandhu, who manages the Storybook Wings service at the Association, said: “Storybook Wings remains a hugely popular way for children to feel connected to a parent or carer who is working away from home. Developed in conjunction with Meg Wickett from the HIVE at RAF Benson, the Wings Doodle Boxes will allow parents to take little personal touches from home away with them, something to make them smile and feel a little closer to home and family.
“We launched Storybook Wings 10 years ago and has touched the hearts of more than 2,300 families. It is now supported by 36 stations worldwide from Fylingdales to the Falklands and from Marham to Minhad. We have high hopes that the Wings Doodle Boxes will really take flight and do the same.”
James, an RAF parent, said: “Prior to deploying to Kabul, I recorded The Gruffalo for my one-year-old daughter through the RAF Association Storybook Wings service. I felt so very reassured and warmed to know that she was able to hear my voice and enjoy our precious time together even in my absence. She thoroughly enjoyed the audio and book combination and I would thoroughly recommend others to use this fantastic service!”
If you would like to record a Storybook Wings story and receive a free Wings Doodle Box you can contact your local HIVE or email StorybookWings@rafa.org.uk
