A SEARCH is on for families in Wiltshire who received CARE packages at the end of the Second World War, to come forward and tell their stories.

This year, as Britain celebrates 70 years since the end of the Second World War, the charity CARE is launching a search to find the recipients of the original CARE packages sent by people in the USA to thousands of British families in the aftermath of the war.

Laurie Lee, Chief Executive of CARE International UK, said: “Many of those recipients, though some only children at the time will remember receiving their CARE package. We want to find them and hear their story.”

“People are surprised to hear that British people were among the first to receive international aid and in a climate of scepticism and aid fatigue, it’s good to remember that for this aid organisation, charity did begin at home.

“The images and quotes at the time from those who received CARE packages in Britain are hugely heart-warming. They simply could not believe that in their hour of need, someone on the other side of the world, often a stranger, had reached out to help them.

“That story is true of the people helped by CARE today. We’re the bridge between nations and people in need.

“This year, as we look back on and celebrate the human story of survival and growth despite adversity, we need your help to find the original CARE package recipients and keep their stories alive.”

If you don’t know anyone who received a CARE package you can still help. Pass on the messages on social media to uncover the CARE stories for future generations, by visiting CARE International UK on Facebook or Twitter.