Hundreds of holiday care packages addressed to Canadian troops in Afghanistan are grounded in Montreal because of security concerns.

Some 1,700 packages containing everything from two-ply toilet paper to shampoo were prepared by a host of volunteers over the last six months.

But the packages are collecting dust in a Montreal armoury and may not make it to Afghanistan in time for the holidays because the Canadian Forces told volunteers they can't transport parcels not addressed to specific soldiers.

Canadian military officials also said they can't vouch for the contents of the packages and that poses a security threat.

Volunteer organizer Jean Bisson said that explanation doesn't stand up.

"I'd kind of like to question them on that because every single package is done at the armoury, and they're under lock and key," she told CBC Montreal.

The 50 volunteers who collected donations — including Christmas cards from children — are devastated, Bisson said.

She hopes the military will change its policy before the holidays.

If it doesn't, the volunteers will donate the packages to a local charity, she said.