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How We Got On! Well we did it - 11,956 parcels sent to members of the British Armed Forces serving overseas this Christmas!! PLUS £11,956 raised for BLESMA! It hasn’t been the easiest year, and there were times when all the odds seemed against us. But one way or another we’ve overcome every hurdle and really are very proud that once again the appeal has been such a great success. Our sincere thanks go to EVERYONE who’s contributed towards this; to the companies, large and small, who have supported us with goods for the parcels or monetary donations; to the many organisations who have rallied round and joined in; to the individuals who have made personal contributions; and to our wonderful volunteers who have worked so very hard to ensure that the parcels went out on time. Thanks to all these tremendous efforts, nearly 12,000 boxes of festive cheer are now on their way – to the Middle East, the Falklands, Bosnia and Kosovo. That’s a wonderful achievement and really will make a huge difference to the morale of our troops away from their families and friends this Christmas. So again, THANK YOU one and all. Below you’ll find the reports from our coordinators across the UK. Please do take a moment to read through as these detail the heart warming support that has been shown throughout. Recent Press Coverage Thanks to everyone! - Sunderland Echo
Helensburgh Advertiser. » News » Heart fund's £23000 Charity sends 150 parcels to soldiers More coverage shown at the bottom of the page. Irene - Droitwich The picture shows Irene with her wonderful helpers at the pack and wrap in November.
Jo - Sheffield Just like to say a big thank you to Dave Plate at The Mercury Newspaper in Sheffield for running the Appeal. I would also like to thanks Clare Taylor, and Staff at Virgin Media in Sheffield, Lisa and staff at Beaverbrooks in Meadowhall Sheffield, Staff at Makro Sheffield Store, Andrea Naylor and Staff at Sheffield Information Link, Double O Club at Maynell Road Youth Centre, Tara's Group on Buchanan Road S5, Mrs Winnie Hattersley, Mrs Mal Kemp, Chris Wilson, Jean Goddard, Miss Doris Akers, Mrs Joan Robinson, Staff at Margetson Post Office S5 Area, Peter Decosemo and Flatmates in Barlborough, Derbyshire. Sandra and Pasha McLaughlin, Linda Oats, Beryl Griffin, Andrew Peet, Andrew Stevens, Parents at Sheffield Otter Swimming Club, The Howson Family S5 Area, Cragg Family in Lincoln, Doris and Jean OAP, Mrs Barbara Hardy, Janet Rochsord, Barbara Morgan, Kath and Richard Allen at Grenoside, Wendy and Clare in S5 Area, Beryl and Pete Griffin in S12 Area, Dave Smith and Family, Kath Bailey and Friends, Michelle Davies. Rachel Green, Linda Bell and her two Daughters, Michelle Ping and Friends, Debby Claricoates, Megan Hattersley, Wendy Bradly.Mrs Lily Pitts and all the OAP at St Cecelia’s Coffee Morning. Customers and Staff At The Old Red Lion Pub in Leeds. John Cordingley. Pauline and her daughter on Wordsworth Ave in Sheffield. Thanks To you all for supporting the Xmax Parcel Appeal. Kind Regards, Jo Marie - Truro Just letting you know that with the wonderful help given to pack and wrap the parcels, we sent 100 boxes to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. I took the parcels to the small post office in the village in which I live. I took upto 20 boxes a day, the last of which went out on the 4th of December. I have really enjoyed my first christmas as an SOS co-ordinator, and I would like to thank the people of Cornwall who very kindly donated just over £500 in cash and also donated at least 7 trolley loads of items and goodies for our troops. I am looking forward to carrying on my role as a coordinator, and i have my next collection booked for Easter at Asda. Marie x Cherrill - York A very successful year with 244 boxes despatched and sufficient goodies left over to supply boxes for the next few months. My grateful thanks for financial donations go to - St Nicholas Church, Hornsea, the Green Howards Association, June Edwards and Margaret and Derek Forbes. For donations of goodies I am very grateful to Joyce Gee and her friends from the Deanne Gee Memorial Fund, Julia Symons, Pat Richardson and again the members of St Nicholas Church, Hornsea. Also a huge thank you to all those who donated shoeboxes - Edith Roberts, John Luke, Anna Bill, Prue Scult, Val Elliot, Debbie, Barbara March, University of York and a special mention to Brayton College, Selby who produced 56 boxes. Finally thanks to Barbara, Kay, Julia and Laura who helped pack the boxes and to Barbara and Neil at Woodthorpe Post Office. Cherrill, A/C York Liz - Hereford The Xmas parcel appeal in Hereford was a great success, with the allocation of parcels being easily met. Sincere thanks to the local British Legion who donated 30 packed boxes, to the Wednesday Club for a further 30 boxes, to the Women's Institute for 10 boxes and the many individuals and local companies who provided either single boxes or parcel items. Many thanks also to the Post Office who were very supportive providing sacks and free advertising space. Liz. Julie - Stevenage This was my second Xmas Parcel appeal as an A/C and it was brilliant. Although I did think we were off to a shaky start the parcels and donations of goodies for the parcels just kept flooding in and flooding in. I was much more organised this year. The boxes, bags, hats and other goodies sent through by Karen & Agnes made things so much easier. Not forgetting Maria who did such a great job with the addresses. I kept in touch with friends I met through the appeal last year and they couldn’t wait to get involved again this year, and I have met many new friends this year who really want to stay involved in supporting our troops. I want to say a huge THANKS to EVERYONE who has donated parcels and goodies but just occasionally someone deserves a little extra thanks, so Emily (15) from Trinity Catholic High School Essex. Emily organised around forty parcels, as did the youngsters of Kimpton Primary School Hertfordshire. Angela and friends at Pertemps Hertford way to go girl you are stars. Debra and Irene as usual you came up trumps. Not forgetting Rosey my local village postie what would I have done without him? Last year I was left in trying to get 400 parcels sent out at the last minute but this year Rosey organised the collection of parcels and delivery to the sorting office. All I had to do was let him know in the morning how many I had ready usually in batches of 50 he’d call back and off the parcels went. Until all 350 were winging their way to Afghan and Iraq. Thank You everyone for your support, I’ll be back next year. Julie x Mary - Walsall and Surrounding Areas This was my 2nd Christmas Appeal, I have felt it was better organised and less stressful than last year as I sort of ‘knew what I was doing’!!! In total 250 parcels were sent out to troops Iraq and Afghanistan, although we could have sent more. The flat pack boxes, green post bags & goodies that Karen sent made such a difference. Special thanks to Maria for co-ordinating the addresses. Despite not doing much advertising this year, the response of the local people from all over the Midlands from Lichfield and Rugeley in the north, to Dudley and Wolverhampton and Telford in the west , Tamworth, Warmley and Sutton Coldfield in the east and Yardley, Solihull and Birmingham in the south of the region was quite amazing. The SOS appeal on Central News at the beginning of November sparked off an overwhelming response from the public wanting to help by donating parcels, goods and cash and helping our with the pack and wrap. There were also a number of people coming forward who donated the previous year who donated again this year.I was invited along to two school this year Sandown Primary School, Perton, Wolverhampton and Two Rivers High School in Tamworth to do presentations at their assemblies and talk to the pupils and teachers about life of the service men and women out in Afghanistan and Iraq. Both school have expressed a wish to continue to support SOS throughout the year. So many thanks to the Headteachers, teachers, pupils and their families for their marvellous support. Special thanks to Veteran Royal Engineer Ron Hurst – who has unfailingly supported SOS throughout the year and to Julie Harris, Heather Sargent and hubby Craig for the support and help with the pack and wrap.Many for the parcels were delivered already beautifully packed and just needed checking, wrapping and labelling, so our pack and wrap sessions were more manageable this year! All the parcels were on their way by 2nd of December with the marvellously prompt service by the Royal Mail with the same local driver collecting the parcels as last year! My special thanks are for the following groups of people who either donated goods or individual parcels and ‘Support for our Troops’. Jessica and Del Davey, Headteacher Liz Threlkeld, teachers and pupils of Sandown School, Perton, Wolverhampton. Sally Dickie, teachers and pupils of Two Rivers High School in Tamworth.Mandy Parker and the staff of Sainsburys’ store in Castle Vale, Birmingham.Angie Adie and colleagues of Wolverhampton Football Club Promotions Dept.Val Botfield and colleagues of Walsall Technical College.Alexander Smith and work colleagues - Midland Traincare Centre, Wolverhampton.Lorraine Barfoot and colleagues – Wolverhampton Combined Courts. Lisa Turner and colleagues – Wolverhampton City Council.Zoe, Sarah and colleagues – Birmingham District Probate Registry.Sue Pratt, sisters and colleagues – Walsall Primary Care Trust.Julie Davies and work colleagues – Lichfield.Carol Parker – Walsall Manor Hospital.John and Kate Brown – Telford.Christine Wyman – Dudley.Carol Jordan and family – Yardley.Sandra Adcock, family and friends – Short Heath.Michelle and work colleagues – Solihull Community Housing.Rhiannon Green and work colleagues CEVA Logistics, Tamworth.Marie Peacock – Walsall. Tracey Heath – Great Barr.Michelle and Anthony Coley – Walsall.Tracy Malloy and family – Heath Hayes, Cannock.Kathryn Roberts – Bilston.Rai Taylor – Warmley.Eric and Maureen Duce – Warmley. Edna Saunders – Walsall. Lyndon and Marie Kent – Wolverhampton. Apologies for any one that I have omitted. And a special thanks to Royal Mail for such prompt service!
The second photo taken at Sandown Junior School shows Heather Sargent (soldiers mum), Mary and Del Davey (ex RAF, who together with his wife Jessica organised the assembly at Sandown School).
The last photo is of Two Rivers High School showing pupils in their assembly waiting to present their parcels. Pauline - Stoke-on-Trent The people of Stoke-on-Trent and its surrounding areas were amazing in all they managed to collect and donate for the appeal. Special mention to Thelma, Sandra, Peter, Helen and Carol who all helped with the pack and wrap also Sandra managed to get the church hall for us at no charge which was a great help. To Vick, John and all at Rugeley who donated bags full of items, Greatwood school saw its pupils busy doing boxes and also Cheadle High School who got involved mainly due to young Martin and his crusade to support SOS. I had to meet four different lots of people on dodgy, dark car parks and I am sure at times we were watched closely by the police. They must have been wondering just what we were transfering from one vehicle to another. Two local churches, Christ church and Kingsley Holt Methodist church also got heavily involved and provided both full boxes and bags of fillers as did Brownies and Rainbows. Longton Police Station were fantastic in doing a large number of boxes all beautifully wrapped, unfortunately though as we were going to collect them our window screen cracked from side to side. The ladies at Tean Post Office were incredible and glad accepted all of the 250 parcels with no problems what ever. Around 20-30 parcels were taken in each day and they did a wonderful job getting them gone off. The postman who collected from them now has much larger muscles than he did a few weeks ago - and its all thanks to SOS. A special mention to H who kept shaking his head and rolling his eyes but helped anyway and also Millie our 2 year old grand daughter who kept saying 'I cant have that cause its the soldiers' as she kept picking all of the sweets up and looking longingly at them. Finally thanks to all six of my Santas who will be busy in the sand pit making sure the pacels are distributed out. Thanks guys. x Pauline-Stoke-on-Trent Rebecca - York This has been my first year as an A/C for SOS and I can honestly say I have been overwhelmed, amazed and a little stressed at times!! Most of all I can say I am incredbly proud of the way the people of York rallied together to make this appeal a success. There are so many people to thank and if I have forgotten to add anyone I apolgise and thank you now. I would like to thank Langleys Solicitors for the amazing donation of countless bags full of goodies, a fantastic effort from everyone involved and particually Emma Bishop who co-ordinated the appeal. Also a big thank you must go out to the York Uni students for their efforts. Wendy Ripley for her amazingly packed parcels which were filled to the brim with top goodies! Bette Humphries and the York Countrywomens assosication for their kind donation and the chocolate buttons they brought Alfie to keep him amused while mummy wrapped some parcels! Anna & her brother, Kim & Shelly for all their help with wrapping so many parcels. Hugh Gell and the Yorkshire (North and West) B Coy Cadets in particular for the amazing way in which they helped pack all the boxes. The Youth of today quite often get bad press but the cadets that weekend were amazing and really deserve praise. James Allen, Nicky Rayment & the village of tockwith for a donation of £400's worth of parcel fillers. James is a wonderful gentlemen and I can honestly say it was a pleasure to meet such a humble guy who is doing his best to make life easier for our forces. Finally I would also like to thank the people who sadly missed the deadline...I look forward to working with you next year!! Rebecca :-)
Brayton College students give our soldiers a little festive cheer Year 9, 10 and 11 students at Brayton College have been busy supporting troops overseas as the run up to Christmas comes. Over 45 boxes packed with gifts were prepared by students following their Remembrance Day assemblies. The boxes are expected to be sent to Afghanistan in which over 8000 British service personnel are on operations there. John Kesterton, Headteacher at Brayton College said “We are proud to be involved in this year’s drive to support servicemen and women serving in these dangerous times. The school has an ethos of caring and compassion which we foster in our students to make them well rounded and thoughtful citizens. The effort and consideration our students has been immense and a joy to see. We hope that the men and women who receive these parcels know that the students at Brayton College who made them, hope that they enjoy the gifts but also that they are being thought of back here in the United Kingdom.”
Peter - Exeter From Peter - "I am pleased to advise that I can now confirm my final Christmas parcel total. My team of helpers and I have managed to pack and send a total of 470 parcels to the troops, many of which have already arrived in Afghanistan. 150 parcels collected by Armoured Support Unit - Royal Marines (These were collected by ASG - RM). 110 parcels were packed ready to be addressed and sent by ASG – RM to their men now deployed to Afghanistan. I have received written confirmation that they have arrived. The other 40 parcels which were not posted, but packed differently, were especially requested. These included black woollen hats,baby wipes, soap, packets of biscuits & Foxes Glacier Mints (too big and heavy for the normal parcels) . These were shared out and distributed amongst the ASG - Royal Marines and taken out in their own packs when they redeployed. 92 parcels were sent out to the Army – TA Unit Corunna Company. 24 parcels were sent out on request to Army unit – 1 Rifles. 204 parcels were sent out to Royal Marine Units based in Afghanistan. Contact Addresses provided by RM plus families and parents of RM personell serving in Afghanistan. So the grand total of parcels posted through BFPO was 430. Our soncere thanks to everyone who helped towards this. Peter" Sonia - Weymouth Support from Dorset (as my first year, and late start) was fantastic. Individuals and companies all helped us pretty much reach our target. Everyone really tried to make interesting boxes with lots of different elements. I hope next year, with more time to plan, that the support will have a firm base from which to build on. Many thanks to everyone who helped us. Sonia - Weymouth Jo A - Doncaster I would like to thank everyone at Milton Court, Doncaster. Special thanks go to the Army Careers Info Office in Grimsby, especially Sgt Tambling. Thank you also to Mr and Mrs Roberts, who know exactly what it's like to be out in the Sandy Place and in receipt of these parcels.. and who put a lot of thought into what the soldiers out there really like! lol. Special thanks to Mr and Mrs Harcourt from the Isle of Wight, who delivered boxes and bags to me. Jo A. Louise - Luton
Nicki - Accrington Well, firstly I just want to say how absolutely overwhelmed I was by the amount of support and help that was offered by everyone! Sp many people wanted to help with time, money and donations, it was so good to be involved. I'd like to pass a HUGE thanks to Thwaites brewery and Christine Robinson for getting everyone involved; WO2 Graham Stevenson for the loan of his men (and women); Barbara Fenton and ExpressGifts; Beryl Meadows and all at Ehawke for their fantastic donation of bags and bags of goodies; Peter Kenyon and the people of Clayton-Le Moors Co-op; Bernadette Walsh especially for being an endless supply of goodies and Pam, Mike and Jackie for all their donations and time. I would also like to thank Mel, My dad, Emma and Andrew for everything theyve done and all the time and support theyve given, and an extra special thank you to my little boy that didnt touch the sweets when he was told it was for 'the soldiers'!'. Nicki.
Alison - Andover I would just like to say a huge thankyou to everyone in my area, For the past 2 year the generosity and support astounds me!! Special thanks to clarendon junior school in Tidworth, Again this year the children had a mufty day were they were allowed into school in normal clothes if they brought an item in to school, the school is so supportive of SOS and all that we do THANKYOU!!!! Also Wallingford rotary club who kindly made up around 60 parcles fabulous thankyou. Marylin Dyer and her team worked so hard in wallingford collecting through the town and getting the press right behind her!!!! , couldnt have done it without them and the amount of parcels they donated was tremendous. Newbury college staff who instead of doing invisible santa decided to spend what they would on a present on donations for xmas parcels , then it spread around the college and the whole place got involved,this resulted in a years supply of socks and many other things.. lots of warm feet in Iraq thanks to the staff and students. Warwick and his chain of shops who collected and advertised for us, both his shop in Winchester and Southampton had collecting tins in and he also promoted us when doing his military shows. To the RTC Exeter recruit soldiers who all donated goods .And a huge thankyou to the individual parcel donations of which there was many.Special thanks to Sharon in Hook who sadly lost her son and made up 6 parcels . And to aggy who was a 2nd driver collecting goods for me and not forgetting Ludgershall post office ladies again, who collect and post the parcels for me .. all 100 of them . And last but no means least to my soldiers who dished them out over there .. Thankyou for the tremendous job you do . Alison (Andover)
Hilary - Chichester Being my 2nd Christmas Appeal, I have found it more enjoyable & less stressful. It took a long time to get going but then I was very busy at the end. The flat boxes, green post bags & goodies that you sent us made such a difference. Also thanks to Maria for the addresses. Again the Royal British Legion Clubs have been wonderful with their donations of goods. I enjoyed the Television Broadcast. 2 minutes was quite enough though .I did get some feedback so it worked. The public down here thought we couldn’t send parcels any more so it set the record straight. We held a wrapping day & I had a very good team which I owe my thanks to. A very special thanks to Aileen who collects an amazing quantity of goods from her friends & is always there to help me. Also to my husband Dave who is always my mainstay in the background, usually doing the cooking. A very big thank you to all those that donated parcels, goods, or donations. I hope I have remembered everyone; Kings International College Camberley who raised an incredible £600 having a mufti day. Alexa Emery for selling our goods & getting donations. Parcels received from - Pearl, Pauline, Louise, Muriel & Don, Eve Howard & friends, Elizabeth Arman, Caroline Dickinson, Bridget Warrington, 1st Lee on Solent Scouts, 3rd Chichester Guides, Ann Jack, Maureen Shaw & friends, St Anthony’s School Chichester, Master Builders Lodge 8694, Chatterbox Fareham. Parcel fillers received from - Malcolm Robinson, Four Chesnuts Chichester, W.K.Thomas & Co.Ltd Chessington, Lush Chichester, Glenwood School Emsworth, Chichester Rangers, Royal British Legion Bognor, Royal British Legion Chichester Royal British Legion Selsey, Pauline & Paul, Jan & Des, Eileen & Linda plus those who have donated miscellaneous items. Pack and wrap helpers - Chichester Rangers, Aileen, Paula, Yvonne, Katie, Janet, Louise, Pauline & Paul, Dave. Thank you one and all! Karen, Kat & Judith - Bingley 1,975 parcels were sent from here at Head Office in Bingley representing the many donations made through our Just Giving Appeal page, by post, and of course local contributions too. Our packing efforts began in earnest after Remembrance tide and on the weekend of the 15th and 16th November we held a big pack and wrap event at the ACF Centre in Bingley. This was one of those occasions that you really wish you could capture in some way. Over the two days we packed an amazing 1,435 parcels!! On the Thursday evening beforehand, there were some concerned looks as all the parcel items were being delivered! But as the weekend progressed these looks turned into absolute amazement as the piles of bulk boxes diminished and the stack of individual parcels grew larger and larger! We’d like to thank Jim, Simon and Glen, the OCs for their tremendous help, but the biggest thanks of all go to the Cadets themselves. They were amazing and many of those who were ‘on duty’ on the Saturday came back in civvies to help on the Sunday. Many thanks too to everyone who came along to help, and particularly Anita, Bev, Adele, Mandy, Kat and Lynn who really worked tirelessly throughout the weekend. Two more special thank yous go to Philip Davies MP and Councillor John Pennington who came along on the Sunday morning to lend a hand! Philip did a great job packing parcels whilst John folded Santa hats and Christmas cards! It was lovely to have their support.
Packing and wrapping continued over the next two weeks, albeit at a much steadier pace! We were delighted to accept a large batch of parcels very kindly put together by the staff at Greenwich Council. Alison Payne of the Mayor's office said "The parcels were from staff from all departments of Greenwich Council. We put the Support our Soldiers Appeal on pur intranet and as you can see we got a marvellous response. The Mayor's Office was the collection point and by Monday morning, you could not get in my office!" 1st Bingley Scout Group once again took part and handed over their parcels – no plastic spiders spotted this year! We received wonderful parcel fillers including Christmas cool ties from Shirley and Len Thompson and their family, made up parcels from Denise and Andrew, Valerie Musgrove, Sharon Howe, Mrs H Wilkes, The O'Connor Family, The Ackroyd Family, Sue Tarrant, Anna Rees, John and Val Coulson, Ripley Golden Girls, Edwina Nelson and Poundbury Dental Practice. Manchester Branch WRNS delivered their batch of over 30 parcels, all beautifully packed as always. Thank you Jean, Sheila, Ruth and Rosemary for making the journey over, and for this wonderful contribution.
We’d also like to thank Phillip at Bradford sorting office, and all the drivers who came along to collect the parcels. What a difference their help and cheerful attitudes made!
So on the morning of Thursday 4th December, as the snow came down in Yorkshire, the last of the parcels went off. A wonderful achievement reached only through the help and support of so many. Thank you all once again, your efforts really are appreciated! Karen, Kat and Judith, Bingley :) Brian - Preston I would like to pass on our heart felt thanks to the friends and colleagues of Val, Michaela and myself at BAE Systems Salmesbury Preston who donated parcels and cash for parcels. This resulted in an enormous amount of parcels from both day and night shifts. What a tremendous effort!! I would also like to thank all my friends and work colleagues in the Liquid Plastics Ltd Sports and Social Club Preston. A generous donation of 100 pounds resulted in many parcels being sent to the lads and lasses. Val also received donations from local shops in Preston. These were fantastic for filling the girlie boxes, much appreciated!! We received over 30 gift wrapped luxury blocks of soap from Lush.com in Preston, many gift packs of Clarens Clinique beauty products from Boots Preston branch, and a terrific in-store collection from Somerfields Leyland arranged by Joanne and Heidi, Well Done and many thanks to all !! I want to send my appreciation to all the individuals and organisations who contacted me by E-mail. Jackie, Geoff, Noreen, Julie, Jane, Emma, Darren, thank you all !! Lesley and friends from Bolton Middlebrook Leisure Trust, and a massive parcel donation from members of the St. John's Ambulance Preston Branch organised by Leslie, Fantastic !! It is wonderful that so many people have taken the time and effort to donate so many thoughtful goodies and cash for gifts. It will make a massive difference to all the girls and boys away from home at Xmas time. Thank you all so much, Merry Xmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year, Brian- SOS and Val.
Brian meeting Bertie Badger who handed over parcels kindly prepared by the team at St John's Ambulance Preston Branch Kim - Newcastle Upon Tyne Newcastle-upon-Tyne have shown a great deal of support to the British Armed Forces throughout the year and thanks to their support during the Christmas Appeal I was able to send out my full allocation of 200 Christmas Parcels and lots left over for the coming months. People of the North East wanted to send our lads and lasses a little Christmas Cheer from home, thanks everyone we have achieved our aim. MASSIVE thanks to the following people for showing their support to our forces serving over-seas right now - Hilary Bone Kingston Park, Steve and his colleagues in Carlisle Police for their parcels. Val Healey, the Teasdale Family, Michelle and staff from CTD Newcastle, Ian White, Northern Rock in Gosforth. Maureen Boulton, Maureen Carter, Joan Alderson and friends in Morpeth, Pauline Ingleby North Shields and Ringtons. Chloe Richardson and her family. Lesley Kelly, Mandy and Peter collected from Bedlington branch of Northumberland Army Cadets and staff and customers of Tesco's in Bedlington.
Mel - Blackpool Phew we did it!!!! First I would like to thanks to Michelle O'Flynn from Tesco, Clifton Drive for not only donating toiletries and goodies but also for allowing me to do a collection where we raised £83.67 which was quite impressive as it was a bitter freezing day. www.tesco.com Also company and group thanks go to the following - all members of www.accringtonweb.co.uk for their kind donations which helped Nic and myself reach our targets. Karen at Look into books Cleveleys. Sandra Dirir http://www.handhygiene4u.co.uk/ for sanitising products. FLT LT Andrew Nickson and all at 177 (Blackpool Airport) Sqn ATC Officer Commanding who made 28 parcels and thanks to Kristy Corcoran and all the children at http://www.park.blackpool.sch.uk/index.html Also a big thanks to the following for their valued support. Barnadette Walsh . Paula Hughs Tina Armstrong Mr and Mrs Cliff Bradshaw Charlotte Imogen Gunson Mr and Mrs Johnson Jill Harvey and friends Mr and Mrs Hewitt May I also give a special thanks to my Husband Jim, Jade Gary and Nicola for giving their time Merry xmas from Blackpool and all the best for the New year! And a special thank you to Park Special Needs School, Blackpool - this is their report - 'Thank you to all the pupils, parents/carers and staff who have contributed to the Xmas Parcel Appeal. We managed fill thirty-three parcels which was an amazing achievement. So 33 soldiers will have a smile on their face because a stranger thought about them this Christmas. Also a big thanks to Mel and her son Gary who picked them up on the behalf of SOS!'
Amanda - Leicester Here in Leicester we had a fantastic response once again, thankyou's have been placed on the forum thread,we sent out all the edible goodies and gifts along with other items .Leics police force did us proud and with ex squaddies amongst them knew exactly what to donate lol !! Have met new friends and welcomed keen supporters of SOS once again to assist and donate to our wonderful troops. I was also delighted to recieve parcels from RBL Welford, Lincs and people/businesses in Northants , and Derby !,think the borders of leicestershire have extended since i joined SOS lol ! We could have met our allocation many times over ! but that means we will be able to send lots of nice parcels in the months to come. Thankyou to all,im humbled by your thoughts and kindness.
Joy - Barnsley Massive thanks to Asdsa Barnsley who raised £221.00, most of which was collected from staff. Also big thanks to my friends and neighbours with a special mention to Bob and Julie and Pat and Philip. Also a huge thank you to Tina for her Trimcraft appeal reulting in over 300 cards hand crafted cards coming in. Finally thanks to all the people who dontated goodies and full shoe boxes for the Xmas Appeal. Without the help of all the people mentioned I would never have done it! Joy John - Keighley My wife and I were in Todmorden on a shopping trip, ,in the late summer when we saw Vicky's poster in the Sue Ryder shop. The concept of supporting the troops grabbed my imagination and I took up the possibility of us helping with my colleagues at the RAF Association branch in Skipton. There then followed a lot of hard work setting up a local organisation and publicising SOS. I spent a considerable amount of time talking to people and trying to establish a base to store donations and to make up the boxes. Tribute must be paid to Rev. David Williams the RAFA chaplain who has generously allowed us to use the crypt of his church for the above purpose. In both October and November we despatched ten parcels. Our Christmas effort was 79. Not bad for a group that has barely been in existence for six months. We will continue to canvass for more support in the New Year. An article in last week's Keighley News has resulted in a further avalanch of goods. I am hoping that we should be able to meet our monthly totals in the new year. In addition to the Rev Williams I would like to thank RAFA members Harry, (our chairman,) and Arlene Dowson, Gerry Mitchell and Gordon and Mary Bell..Also staff at Holy Trinity church, Skipton, Luke at the Army Surplus Store, Judith at the Paradis cafe, Keighley and Helen at the Copy Shop, Keighley. In addition Mick Woosnam of the Grenadier Guards Association for advice and support and the good people of Skipton British Legion. Special thanks to Maria who is there to help and tries to provide me with RAF recipients. John, Keighley Sam - Bridgwater This was my first year collecting and didnt quite know what to expect. I have really enjoyed doing the parcels and so has my young helper, my 10yr old son, Tom. Together we sorted through all the donations and ready made parcels. I would like to say a huge thanks to : The Public Relations Department of Weston super Mare College and Sarah woodrow for organising them, for their fantastic support and their kind donation of filled boxes. Phil Hill and his family & friends, also of Weston Super Mare, for their parcels. Jake Flood, for the bags of parcel fillers. My friend Paula Morse & daughter Emily and Paula's sister for their boxes. Sandra Jenkins & family for the parcel fillers. Finally thanks to Tom for helping me with the packing and wrapping. Thanks guys. Looking forward to doing it all again next year. Sam xx Maria - Bromsgrove Off to a great start in Bromsgrove as Maria's son Philip takes receipt of parcels from two young helpers - Cameron Barrett aged 10 who collected 250 bags of Haribo sweets for parcels at his school, Lickey Primary and Molly Nokes aged 4!
The second picture shows Bromsgrove posties Keith Farr (left) and Nick Halley (Right) receiving a batch of parcels.
Lynn R & Kazza B - Leeds These photos are from the Pack and Wrap Evening held on Monday 17th November. Cadets from Carlton Barracks came along to help and really enjoyed the night. Lynn and Kazza would like to them and everyone else who lent a hand.
Agnes - Ayr All assembled and ready to go! Agnes gets prepared at the Kyle Centre, Ayr.
Press Coverage Front-line Christmas for troops Trial broadcast was a success Thanks for all the support - Ayrshire Post Troops face Christmas on the front line Gifts for armed forces all wrapped up Keeping you well informed
Burgh shows support for forces' charity
Oadby and Wigston support our soldiers "Sgt Kerry-Anne Macintosh presenting gifts to Support our Soldiers charity Thousands of useful items were donated to the Support our Soldiers charity today from collections gathered by officers from Oadby and Wigston local policing unit... Troops will get donated treats Thirst aid Support Our Soldiers founder thanks people of Wallingford area for ... Support Our Soldiers charity steps in to transport Wallingford ... Goodies to cheer up troops Soldiers get boost with Christmas parcels LESS THAN FORTNIGHT TO POST CHRISTMAS CARDS TO TROOPS Parcels To Troops Expected To Increase By 25 Per Cent Help deliver some festive cheer to our soldiers Prestwick Academy: 19 November 2008
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