"Hello my name is Joseph. Thanks for keeping my family safe. I wish I could see you but I can't. I am 8 and in Year 2. Wishing you a great war."
The hand-written message, beneath a colouring-in, is among hundreds of letters from Sutherland Shire children that will soon be on their way to Australian servicemen and women serving in the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The letters will form part of care packages that are being prepared in a joint initiative by Westfield Miranda and Engadine RSL sub-Branch.
The care packages are made up of donations from shoppers and RSL supporters.
Donated items include Australian food treats such as biscuits, lollies, chips, chocolates, snack bars, nuts, coffee, tea bags, chewing gum and tubes of Vegemite.
The practical support for Australian forces serving overseas is being managed from an Anzac Day display on level 2 of the Westfield centre, near fashion store Zara.
The display and the opportunity to donate care package items will continue until Sunday, April 28.
Some of the other letters by children read:
- "Thanks to you guys so many people live better lives all because of our decisions".
- "Happy Easter. Thank you for serving us and please keep safe".
- "Dear soldier. Please stay safe and thanks for protecting us all".
- "Dear soldiers. We are very grateful you guys are around to protect our family and keep us safe".
