The kids of Australian Defence Force troops deployed overseas will receive a heart-warming surprise this Christmas that will help bring families closer together, even though duty causes them to be apart. Hallmark Cards Australia is donating Christmas Recordable Storybooks to troops deployed in Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands, so that they can be recorded by soldiers and returned to their families in Australia in time for Christmas. Recordable Storybooks are beautifully illustrated hardcover books that allow parents, grandparents, family and friends to record themselves reading a story to their loved ones. Every page of the book is recorded separately so that it automatically knows which page the reader is on, even if the child flicks back and forwards. Soldiers with young children will be able to record themselves reading the classic Christmas poem The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, which their children will be able to listen to and read as many times as they wish this Christmas. ?ur Australian troops sacrifice so much for our country every day, including time with their families, and we are honoured to have the opportunity to help them connect with their families this Christmas,•said Russell Parker, Australian and New Zealand Managing Director of Hallmark Cards. The Australian Defence Force? Director General of Public Affairs, Brigadier Alison Creagh, said the support and generosity of the Australian public is appreciated by deployed forces. ?ur sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen are living and working in extremely challenging environments and they take heart knowing that the Australian community is supporting them,•she said. The books will be shipped from Australia to troops this month. Company Name: Hallmark Cards Australia Street : 10 Caribbean Drive City : Scoresby Province : Victoria State : Victoria Zip Code : 3179 Country : Australia Phone : 61397304444 Website: http://store.hallmarkcards.com.au