How your Smiles at Christmas donations can help the Brit kids who have lost parents in the armed forces

MORE than 1,000 Brit kids are believed to have lost a parent who died fighting for their country.

Some never had a chance to meet their fathers, who were killed in action before they were born.

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The Sun's Smiles at Christmas campaign is proud to support one charity helping to bring a smile to the face of youngsters whose lives have been shattered by war.

Scotty's Little Soldiers currently works with more than 250 British children - and it is desperate to reach out to others who have suffered similar tragedy.

Set up by Nikki Scott - whose husband Corporal Lee Scott was killed in Afghanistan aged 26 - the charity ensures each child receives a birthday and Christmas present.

It also runs Scotty's Lodge holiday homes where families who have experienced loss can spend some time together.

Nikki's brainchild was born out of the torment her young daughter Brooke and son Kai suffered after losing her father.

She says: “When we went on holiday months later it was the first time Kai had really laughed since Lee died.

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HOW TO GIVE

Donate cash or give toys to your local McColl's newsagent or Toys 'R' Us and help The Sun bring Smiles at Xmas

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"There were widows’ associations, but nothing for children.”

The charity's enormous success has even seen Tesco launch a range of children's clothes on its behalf.

And you can help ensure the youngsters have a smile on their face this December by donating to The Sun's Smiles at Christmas appeal .

Give cash

Online:

Text: To give £2, text KIDS55 2 to 70070. You can change the amount to £3, £4, £5 or £10 by changing the last figure to 3, 4, 5 or 10.

Post: Send a cheque, made payable to JustGiving Foundation, to JustGiving The Sun Appeal, Bluefin Building 2nd Floor, London SE1 0TA

Give toys

You can donate new or used toys in good condition at 1,370 branches of McColl’s convenience stores.

Toys “R” Us will accept new toys only — look for special Sun trolleys near entrances.

Tell pals

Like our Facebook page

Or tweet using #SmilesAtChristmas to let us know how you’re getting involved!