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CHRISTMAS PARCEL 2009 APPEAL Reports from our area coordinators across the UK are shown below - Head Office Report Well the response to our Christmas Parcel Appeal this year was absolutely overwhelming and we really can't thank everyone enough for their wonderful generosity and kindness. There was a point where we came very close to saying 'full' but thankfully we were able to accept all parcels which headed our way. Those which we weren't able to send in time for Christmas were despatched in the New Year and will have been just as appreciated as those sent before the Christmas deadline. We have so many thank yous to make, and hopefully have acknowledged everyone who sent parcels to us on the Thank You page, but special mentions are as follows - To the ladies from Manchester Wrens who made their now annual pilgrimage over the border with their, as always, beautifully packed parcels... To the team from Cadburys who came along on the 13th November and helped pack over 500 parcels... To Paula Short and colleagues at BAE Systems - Submarine Solutions in Barrow, Kathryn Fisher and colleageues at BAE Systems Wolverhampton, Rachel and colleagues at Enterprise in Leyburn, Handforth RBL, Bradford RBL, Steve and colleagues at Aviva in Sheffield, Steven Smith, Headteacher at Cowling Primary School and pupils, Sue Smith and colleagues at Sodexo Defence in Aldershot, Christine and tenants at Gifhorn House, Dumfries kindly delivered by the Bomb Disposal Team!, Dianne Greer and staff at Warbreck House, Blackpool, Dawn and colleagues at WYTS, members of Saltaire Methodist Church, 'The Pensioners' Cardigan House, Alison Morton and all the staff at NHS 24 Clyde Contact Centre, Staff at Sonae (UK Ltd), Staff and pupils at Moorlands Primary School, The Ladies of Back Lane, Guiseley, St Winifreds School, Sue Ryder Care Centre, Preston, and Bemerton St John CE Aided Primary School for their great contributions of parcels and donations. To Taylor Townsend (age six months) who together with her mum Kelsey made up three parcels, each with a beautiful poem ... Thank You I’ve been in this world for just six months so far, I’m only just learning to say the word ‘ta’ I’m sending these presents and my thanks to you, For all the very special work that you do Missing your loved ones this holiday season I know that you’re there for a very good reason To keep my world safe and my future bright, So I can sleep safe in my cot at night Love from Taylor Ellen Townend Aged 6 months To Rachel at Enterprise who travelled over from Lancashire with a van full of parcels all very kindly donated by staff from their offices around the UK...
To Emma and the team at Eaga in Cardiff who kindly donated 30 beautiful parcels...
To Bingley Army Cadets who once again worked so hard during our pack and wrap weekend...
To Royal Mail in Bradford who went our of their way to collect the parcels and make sure they were delivered on time...
And finally to all our wonderful volunteers who helped day in day out (and night out too) to make sure the parcels were sent safely on their way...
If we haven't given anyone a personal mention then please do accept our apologies, every parcel received was so very, very much appreciated and our grateful thanks to you all. Manchester - Report from Sharron "Gails Hairdressers, Liverpool Road, Eccles and Patricroft Working Mens Club Thanks to Gail for involving her customers and members of her local club in collecting Parcel contents and Christmas cards and to the ladies that came from under the driers to help load my car! Thanks to customers visiting Morrisons store at Swinton for their donations on my trolley collection day. Also thanks to some staff members who later gave me a large bag of parcel contents. Many thanks to Costco Trafford for donating boxes of sweets, crisps and chewing gum.
Many thanks to Patsy Latham at Hamletts Florist, Eccles Precinct who allowed her shop to be a drop off location for completed shoe boxes and parcel contents over the past couple of months – well over 100 boxes. Many thanks to Patsy and all her customers & friends that participated & for individuals who also dropped off at the shop
Thanks go to Management, Staff and Customers at Asda Trafford who collected over 6 trolley loads of parcel contents. Thanks go to Wilma and Lynne for their help.
Many thanks goes out to Charee Kelly who asked colleagues to donate parcel items for shoeboxes and providing me with over 30 completed boxes, to Heather Finlow and her Mum who on suffering a family loss in Afghanistan decided to do some fundraising around the Walkden and surrounding areas and raise funds to purchase parcel contents and delivering many filled boxes to me in November. To June Carruthers who organised amongst friends the completion of 25+ shoe boxes for the troops, to the staff at BUPA on the Quays for donated parcel contents in order to fill many shoe boxes for the troops. In particular to Helen Poole, Human Resources who is encouraging the company to support SOS throughout 2010 which will be good.
Thanks to Mrs Ann Brierley, Finance & Admin Manager at St Joseph The Worker RC Primary School, Irlam for organising shoe parcel donations from staff and also to a group of local pensioners known to her. A special thank you to Laura Rogers and her pensioner friends who have joined in knitting scarves, hats and fingerless gloves for the troops. This has been greatly appreciated and as they are now already on their way to Afghanistan I am sure they will love keeping themselves warm in them with the colder weather setting in right now!
Many thanks to Carole Ogden and Craft Group friends. Not only did they fill many shoes boxes but provided many handmade cards to send to Afghanistan for the guys to send back home to family. I had an email back from a soldier receiving the cards and this read “ Can you thank the ladies that made the christmas cards for the lads to send home to their loved ones, they were very nice and the lads will make good use of them. once again thankyou very much for the support that you have been giving my lads ....... from all the boys of kilo one zero
Many thanks to the ladies and gents at the Leigh Pensioners Link who got involved wholeheartedly in collecting parcel items, filling of shoe boxes and knitting items.
To Judy Lee for meeting me on the motorway (we must of looked very dodgy swapping goodies in the services) She gave me a large number of shoe boxes filled with loving little personal touches and also has been promoting SOS locally. To Lee Lucas and colleagues at British Gas Call Centre, Lee appealed for the staff to help him collect parcel contents and fill shoe boxes. He had expected just a few and amazed us both when 70 boxes materialised!!! What an achievement Lee! Thank you to Kelly Morgan, School Head Barton Moss School for allowing the pupils to participate in collecting parcel contents, drawing pictures and writing letters. These are now on the way to bring a smile to the faces of the lads and lasses out in Afghanistan. Tracey Valentine, Parents & Staff at Little Learners and also the local residents of Eccles who managed to fill 25 shoe boxes and will be supporting me during 2010.
Many thanks to Ivor Williams and Eric Reeves of the Grenadier Guards Association for delivering parcel donations, christmas cards for the troops and agreeing to continue to support me throughout 2010. To Helen Whittaker and her class at Clarendon Road School, Eccles who agreed to run a competition in her class to design and produce Christmas cards to send to the soldiers in Afghanistan. Arkwrights Ale House, Bolton and Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes at The Crofters Arms, Halliwell Road, Bolton
Well done to everybody involved above in agreeing to support our troops. Also thanks go to Jane for agreeing to take in a collection box for SOS in the pub and for acting as a Drop off location for the Bolton area to which I was very grateful indeed."
Lydia Wright and David Sharp of Salford Foundation
Thanks to Lydia and David who invited their groups to decorate and fill shoe boxes. Well done to those that participated and as can be seen, these were really good.
Higher Irlam Social Club, Cutnook Lane, Irlam – John Allsey
Many thanks to John at the club for encouraging all his staff and customers to become totally involved with SOS and also the Simon Annis Appeal (A Fusilier who died in Afghanistan). The whole neighbourhood of Irlam have been tremendous for their donations and support of both appeals.
Over recent weeks the club has been involved in various events to raise funds and parcel contents, purchasing SOS merchandise and canvassing local businesses for parcel donations. They also acted as a drop off point for local residents and anybody else wishing to leave parcels for SOS.
I would like to thank each and everyone of you for being 100% behind our appeal and for continuing to work with me throughout 2010 -- (photo Irlam Social)
Chesterfield - Report from Carole "This was my first xmas with sos and had no idea what to expect, it has been fantastic the support from people and companies a brilliant response. I have had several replies from Afghan and i know quite a few of the donators have had personal replies which is always nice to hear. I would like to thank Jeanette Bocking and the children at Marsh Lane Primary school,Carsic Junior School,Julie Simpson at the I.P.C.C at Coalville,Liz Hepworth and the Inner Wheel Club at Dronfield,Malc and Sue Benning and their neighbours, Linda Herrington and work colleagues at Auto Windscreen Call Centre Chesterfield,Natalie Waltham at the Notts A F C C Battery. Darren the G.M at SAINSBURYS CHESTERFIELD for their fantastic support and ongoing support, all Sainsburys customers who have been very generous.Darren allowed Sainsburys to be my local collection point and let me do a fund raising day there.My friend TRACEY JARRET who works at Sainsburys and gave lots of support to me. Neighbours Jane Tomlinson and Sharon Claxton,the staff at Tibshelf P.O and my sons who kept getting roped in. I know i have missed lots of peoples names of but THANKYOU TO EVERYONE THAT SUPPORTED ME. Looking forward to 2010!"
Leicester - Report from Amanda Greetings from Leicester, whose borders extended into northants and to Leamington spa for xmas !!, well we were innundated with goodwill this year and following last years success i didnt 'launch' an appeal as i knew we would once again be overwhelmed by the generosity of people. I took in over a thousand parcels and with the help of a loyal group of sosers here and B sqn Royal Yeomanry TA we managed to sort them all out and get off our 250 parcels full of xmas goodies and including all the wonderful letters and cards from those who donated , the sheer volume of parcels means we will be able to send on a regular basis throughout the coming months, much appreciated items such as toiletries, biscuits, wet wipes etc . Thanks go to companies incl, SERCO, LRI, LGH, BURKERLEY BURKE, KP FOODS, BOOTS AND CO OP whose employees got together to produce boxes and also the many individuals who rallied round colleagues and friends, MR AND MRS STERN, SALLY FARNISH, CARLA SMITH, CARL BERRINGTON, JAN FRENCH, TERESSA,RHIANNON,ROGER MOORE, STEVE PEEL,MR AND MRS SMITH, and EMMA ,DIANNE and WINSTANLEY SCH. the many scouts and guide groups who took part, also to jackie and june who co ordinated the n'hants collecting for me and delivered the parcels for the pack and wrap. The pack and wrap was a great success thanks to SSGT ANDY ACTON, CAPT NIGEL BENNER, THE LADS OF THE TA, and KAROL, DEE, JEFF, ROB, SHERYL and the many people who turned up on the day, Thanks to WO1 HAILES and his team at AFCO Leics for all their help Special thanks go to LEICS POLICE FORCE , who without their help and support i would not be able to co ordinate the collection of the many parcels, and for their fantastic amount of donations, PAUL M, DAVE L, ROBBO, TANYA, you are simply the best, Apologies if i have missed anyone by name but you all know that without you it wouldnt be possible to support our troops in the way we do. And last but by no means least, my total thanks and love to HELEN, mum of our Brave Fallen Viking, CHRIS, whom i have spent so much time with this year and whose constant support and running around is second to none, youre an inspiation Helen, chris would be so proud of your strength and support to others.
York - Report from Cherrill I have been overwhelmed by the response to the appeal this year. Having despatched 250 boxes I still have sufficient goodies to fill as many again. My shed and spare bedroom are overflowing! My thanks for financial contributions go to:- The Alain Lodge of the Freemasons St Nicholas Church, Hornsea Mike Dunne and friends from HMS Exmouth Pavers Ltd Margaret Jakeman and family Margaret and Derek Forbes Ann and Pat Munday Customers of the PO, Strensall, York Rosemary Horsman who rattles an SOS collecting box around her colleagues and when visiting patients! And thanks to the following for donations of goodies or shoeboxes:- St Nicholas Church, Hornsea Brayton College, Selby Staff at the Co-op, Hornsea Residents at Pybus House, Hornsea Staff at Ride-A-Way, Stockton on Forest, York Dennis Creech, Bridlington Samantha Wiley, York Kirsty Firth, York Barbara March, York Carole Wright, York Joyce Gee and friends Carole Humphreys - who collected over 110 boxes from Goathland and Whitby The Cats Whisker's Cafe, Scarborough Mavis and friends, Goole Amy-Clare Newlove and friends, Driffield Mrs Rylands, Whitby.Thank you all very much. Cherrill Christmas Care from Brayton’s Best!
Solihull - Report from Patricia I would like to say a very big thank you to all of the people who donated parcels for our xmas parcel appeal. The pictures show me and my son who is a medic in the armed forces delivering the parcels to our local post office, it was a very emotional day and I felt very humble once they had all gone into the depot. There are a lot of people I would like to thank in particular a few very special thanks for the following: Mairi at CB Richard Ellis Management Accounts who donated a £100 cheque and also donations that filled 30 parcels. Also a very big thank you to Dot and all the staff at Allied Bakeries West Bromwich who collected a staggering 150 parcels for us. There is one more thank you I need to do and that is to Roger Haywood and Norman for arranging the tin shakes at various concerts and we raised a staggering £635 from them alone. So from your Solihull Co Ordinator a very big thank you Chichester – Report from Hilary The people of Chichester responded wonderfully to our appeal resulting in parcels and donations flooding in to us. I’d like to say a special thanks to Aileen who collected an amazing quantity of goods from her friends and is always there to help me. And of course to my husband who is my mainstay and cooks for me! A very big thank you to all those that donated parcels, goods and donations and to my helpers Jackie, Janet, Pauline, Paul, Cynthia, Penny, Aileen, Paula, Yvonne and Katie. Parcels or goods were received from Ann Jack & Friends, David Kendrick, Pam Tarvidel, Carol Hogg, Jeanne Easton, Anna Chai, Carol Smith & Friends, Pearl, Pauline Lancum, Michelle & work colleagues, Valerie, Diane Killick, Diana Brown, Richard, Eve Howard & friends, Charlie Nunn & friends, Alison Richer & Guides, Katherine Goacher & Guides, Wendy Gawn, Sheila, Amanda & Caroline, Linda Chatfield, Emma Clarke, Margrit Goring, Margaret Buckingham & friends, Hilly & Friends, Edna, Joyce, Eileen, Jean & friends at The Maltings, Aileen & friends, Wendy, Katherine Howard, Carol, Malcolm, Margaret & West Moors Craft Club, RBL Chichester, WI Farlington, WI Old Portsmouth and WI Forty Acres. Donations received from RBL Selsey Ladies Section, John and Stu Sutton. Many thanks one and all! Hilary, Area Coordinator Chichester Bromsgrove - Report from Maria Hi Everyone I am happy to report that North Worcestershire and Bromsgrove SOS has had a fantastic response to this years christmas parcel appeal. All our parcels are now safely on the way to Afghanistan and i do know that many have arrived safely. I have had a fantastic amount of support this year and huge donations from Asda in Bromsgrove, along with Hanley Swan British Legion. Enough goodies to keep the boys and girls going for the next few months. We yet again received a fab donation of £750.00 from Pearl Assurance, matching last years donation along with 40 odd parcels from them too. Our local newspaper the Standard have once again publicised the appeal and also acted as the main drop off point, thank you to them for the 3rd year running. Without them SOS in Bromsgrove wouldn't be half the success it is. I have far too many thank yous to mail in here but I have sent them all a card and letter so a collective thank you to all those who have helped. Cameron Barrett, one of my younger helpers won a national writing contest and last Tuesday received his prize. A Nintendo WI and WI Fit. As he already has these he has donated it to the Service Childrens Charity. He wanted it to go to a military family but they are going to use it at functions for the children which means many service children will benefit from his prize and generosity. Thank you Cameron. I do have to say special thank you;s to the following, without whom SOS in Bromsgrove would not be the success it is. They turn out for events and help in anyway possible, Sylvia Clarke, Trudy Hillier (who's garage looks like Asda), Lynn & Pauline at Asda Bromsgrove, Pam Lait, Carole Barrett, Sarah Nokes, Jemma Tapper, Pam Lait, Christine Turnball and Jet & Terry at Starage King in Worcester. Happy SOSing in 2010 - Maria Crawley - Report from Kate A huge thank you to all my supporters and donators, without you it would not have been possible. Thank you to the Horsham Masons for allowing us to Pack n Wrap in their Normandy Centre during November. To my lovely local postie who came to collect the parcels with the support of the Royal Mail sorting office in Horsham... you have been fantastic not just now but throughout the year. I have met some very special people during this years Appeal, Jane from Virgin, Mr and Mrs Loader, Mr and Mrs Moore, Trudi and Sue and lastly thank you to my parents for letting me take over their house, for lugging boxes and for feeding and watering my strong team of helpers with mince pies and tea! I wish you all a very peaceful Christmas and I know we will be thinking of those fighting for us and their families over the Festive period.
Bodmin - Report from Amy This was my first Christmas with SOS and i had no idea what to expect when it came to the annual Christmas Parcel Appeal...except from a few tales some of the other area coordinators had told. Well all i can say is that although Bodmin has had a very good response when it has come to Supporting all serving military...NOTHING could have prepared me for the overwhelming response I received. If I was to thank EVERY person that had donated I would be here for ages, so to every person that donated to the Bodmin Christmas parcel appeal...A HUGE THANK YOU TO YOU ALL...however special thanks must go to Matthew, Janet and the team at Powercutz hair dressers for being my official parcel drop off point!!! My right hand lady – my mum...and her patience not only when i was stressing about getting everything done in time but also for all the running around she did with me and The Girl Guides of Bodmin for packing and wrapping ALL my parcels. Also thanks to the lovely ladies in the post office for their patience as i arrived with batches of parcels day after day. Yes chaos reigned in my house for a while but would i change any of it...NO...Roll on the Christmas Parcel Appeal 2010!! Llanelli - Report from Debbie and Iain The campaign began with a pledge from the Llanelli Star, Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Evening Post to give SOS and the Christmas campaign as much coverage as possible. The response from the readers of all the papers was fantastic and resulted in a steady supply of parcels being dropped off at the papers offices all the way through to the end of November. The PR obtained via these papers also resulted in direct responses and raised the profile of SOS in the South West Wales area. The main thrust of our Christmas campaign was generated via our local Tesco in Llanelli. After a successful meeting with the management, it was decided that several Tesco Extra stores across the entire South Wales / South West areas would take part in a week’s worth of trolley collections if the local AC required. After a successful week’s worth of item collecting in the stores in our area we collected in excess of 30 full shopping trolleys of items suitable for parcels. An absolutely fantastic response and thanks to the generosity of Tesco’s customers and also the hard work of all the Tesco staff who helped in arranging this campaign – especially Paula and Sara from Llanelli. Our packing morning saw a team of 7 working feverishly away to get our allocation of parcels all wrapped within a morning! Admittedly a few hours of setting up had been done previously so that we could all operate like a production line. Thanks to our team on the day including Linda, Robin, Jenny, Dawn and her Mum. A few days later our parcels were loaded into our postie’s van and on their way to the Afghanistan. Worthy of a special thank you are Jackie and Maurice Rees who organised a carol concert in aid of SOS just before Christmas to help with the ongoing costs and this event raised circa £700 – an enjoyable night with a fantastic result! Apologies for any omissions and thanks to everyone who contributed items and cards of support. Debbie and Iain
Morpeth - Report from Glenn and Elaine A huge thank you to the following for their support and donations to our service personnel - not only for the Xmas Parcel appeal - but for their support throughout the year - Sylvia Judge, Trudy Young and the local traders and people of Newbiggin - who are a constant supply of ready filled boxes and give tremendous support - staff at the RVI, Dental Hospital and the Freeman Hospital, Joan our lady in Morpeth, Christina Craig and her colleagues at HMRC Newcastle, Angela Harrison Newcastle College - Kirsty at Newcastle Job Centre, Caroline from Bedlington Methodist Church, Bedlington Inner Wheel, David Barnes Quantum, Derek and Valerie Clarke Ellington, Helen Davison and her colleagues at Killingworth Dental Practice, Janet Winters HMRC Newcastle, Muriel Horne Hexham, for the fundraiser and the generous fillers, handmade cards and messages of support. Neil Dyson and his Scouts in Kirkcudbright, Tracey Young from Wooler, Sgt Weldon Rothbury Police Station, Gary Simmons, the gang at the Half Moon and Lord Barrington, the customers of Hetheringtons North Shields, and especially our family and close friends for their help, support and donations throughout this whole appeal. Thank you all so much.
Birmingham - Report from Natalie We held my pack and wrap on the 14th November and we had a few soldiers moms attend as well as Rubery Army cadets. It went great and the whole 100 boxes was packed and wrapped within a hour and half! I didn't know how fast these guys all worked. See the pictures below - Blackpool and Fylde - Report from Mel 2009 has seen Blackpool SOS have its busiest year to date. The kindness and support from members of the public and Businesses here has been just fabulous.Therefore I would like to send out a huge thank you to the following... B&M Bargains in Cleveleys who have raised over £1000 by selling SOS merchandise and allowing us to do Bag packs in their store. Manager and assistant manageress Ian Graham and Sandra Hughen have also decided to continue their generosity in 2010 by keeping our collection tins and merchandise on. Members and staff of the Comrades Club in Blackpool who have raised over £1500 by selling merchandise and holding fundraising events including a 40s night and supermarket stalls Asda Blackpool and customers for holding a collection for parcel goodies over several weeks. Members of Morcombe RAFA for making almost 90 parcels for our troops. Sainsbury's Supermarket St Annes on Sea for inviting us to do xmas collections and a bag pack.raising over £400 Wilkinsons stores Blackpool Several days selling merchandise. Morrisons Blackpool for their donation of vouchers. Park School Blackpool. For the second year the children and staff headed by Miss Kristy Corcoran have filled parcels for our troops and this year made over 60 and invited me in to their special xmas assembly to collect them. St Bede,s Catholic School in Lytham have sent out a bundle of xmas cards and messages to troops serving in Afghanistan. St Johns Vianny,s Catholic school made over 50 parcels From Staff and Children. Fleetwood Sports College made approx 30 parcels. NPS Plastics in Blackpool donated Boxes of toothbrushes, toothpastes, Deodorants and shower gels Blackpool Air Cadets donated over 40 parcels Lucy and Paul Breeze from Blackpool made and donated cd,s to go into parcels for the troops. Mrs Bernadette Walsh from Accrington for what has become an annual contribution Members of www.accringtonweb.co.uk for personal donations and Mick and Anne (you know who you are) for allowing their home to become a drop off point for SOS. Thanks also to the girls at DWP and Norcross Blackpool for all the parcels recieved Finally to Everyone from Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre for individual donations which have been overwhelming. I would like to give personal thanks also to My Blackpool SOS team for all their hard work in 2009 and our xmas appeal... Paula, Ben, Jade, Dan, Gaz, Nig, Di, Gary and Lamara. Sue and Jackie, Ray and friends. And a special thanks to my husband Jim for all the diving around he has done for SOS Thank you everyone and here's wishing you all a very happy and peaceful new year from Blackpool x
Southend On Sea - Report from Kelly On the 15th November 2009 my wonderful Southend Volunteers joined me at my home to help me pack & wrap our allocation of 100 parcels to send out to the troops, this task was completed in just under 2 hours, which was a great effort and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone that contributed on the day: HUGE Thanks to Bet, Jo & Jay (Jay being my youngest volunteer at 9wks old!), Stella, Michelle, Caroline, Pauline, Sandy, Terry, Emma, Jill, Robert
So The Parcels Started Stacking Up..........
My Southend Team – Huge Thank You’s To Everyone Wigan - Report from Carol To say that our first Christmas Parcel Appeal in the Wigan area has been a great success would be a massive understatement. We have had an amazing, phenomenal response from the very kind-hearted Wigan public and now have in storage enough to supply our lads and lasses with parcels for at least the next six months. I would like to say a big Thank You to all who donated shoe boxes and items for them. I cannot put into words how grateful I am to Lesley Davies for all her dedication, her help during this very busy time was invaluable and I don’t believe I could have done it all without her. You’re a star Lesley. Thank you to all those who provided drop-off points, which made life much easier for Lesley and myself. Thanks to Kelly, Steve, Michelle and Cath of Northwood Estate Agents for running and funding our Christmas Card competition and a massive box collection at their office on Market Street in Wigan. All those who turned out to help on our two pack and wrap weekends : young Sam Wareing, Joanne Mather, Angela, Megan and Ashleigh Holmes and Ange’s sister Caz who came all the way from Westhoughton, Carole Gee, Carole and John Howarth, and of course my mum deserve a medal for managing to get all the mountains of stuff into boxes. Wynsor’s shoe store in Whelley have been a great help in keeping us supplied with shoe boxes and I would like to thank all the staff there. A special Thank you goes to Dennis and the team at U-Store It on Hemfield Business Park (behind Morrisons) for giving us free unlimited storage, you have a heart of gold Dennis. Our Christmas raffle made £300 which will be forwarded to Head Office and put to very good use there. Prize winners have all been informed and all prizes distributed. Carol x x
Walsall, Wolverhampton and Surrounding Areas - Report from Mary This was my 3rd Christmas Appeal for Walsall, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Dudley. In total 250 parcels were sent out to troops in Afghanistan, although we could have sent many more and have enough items to send out for the coming months. We have also had several large monetary donations toward the parcel appeal, including Jennings Funeral Directors, HMP Brindsford in Featherstone, Wolverhampton FC, Roger Hayward, the congregation at the ‘Church at Junction 10’ and the Longhorn Pub in Walsall. With the proceeds of some of this money we were able to send out a Play Station 3 and games to one of the FOBs and are in the process of sending out MP3 players to all the guys and girls in one of the FOBs, following a special request from their officers there. Despite not doing much advertising this year, with just a single article being placed in the Express and Star, the response of the local people from all over the Midlands has been tremendous. Jennings Funeral Directors acted as drop off points and storage area at their 4 branches in Wolverhampton and the help of all the staff including Angie Harvey and Glen Speak has been amazing. I cannot thank them enough for allowing us to use their premises for storage, packing and wrapping during the Christmas appeal and also for raising monies for SOS with their Christmas Tree appeal. The SOS appeal 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. Special thanks to – Julie Harris, Roger Hayward, Tracy Mansell, Barbara Hale, Hazel and Eric Hunt, Heather Sargent, Chris my father in law and hubby Craig and all the family and friends for the support and help with the pack and wrap. We now have a brilliant pack and wrap team who have offered to help through out the year. All the parcels were on their way by end of November with the marvellously prompt service by the Royal Mail yet again. Mary
Bridgwater - Report from Sam I would like to say huge thanks to : The staff & customers of Morrisons store in Bridgwater, my neighbours and friends in Westonzoyland, The GP's and staff & patients at Taunton Road medical Centre, Bridgwater, The Royal British Legion in W-S-M, for all the kind parcel donations and parcel fillers that I received for this years appeal. Finally thanks to my hubby Martyn and son Tom for helping to weigh, pack and wrap ALL our boxes. Thanks again and look forward to next year. xx Penzance - In the Press Fantastic support for Soldiers parcel scheme... Larne - Report from Andrea I would like to thank everyone from Larne and other areas of County Antrim for their overwhelming support with the Xmas parcel appeal. With only joining S.O.S in September of this year I did not think that I would be able to fulfil my allocation but with the generosity of the public, I need not have worried as the boxes and goodies just kept coming. I have a special thank you to the committee, bar staff and members of the Larne British Legion, who gave me full support with everything I had to do. Also the Larne Adult Centre, everyone who helped on pack and wrap day, The Cutting Crew, the Larne Times and Larne Gazette and of course my family who had to put up with me, there are too many individuals to name but they all know who they are and I cannot thank them enough. Andrea Rotherham - Report from Tracy Rotherham Job Centre Staff raise funds and donations
Julia Yardley, Jane Frost (manager) Bob Kolt (veteran) The kind & generous staff at Rotherham Job Centre have raised a fantastic £182 during a dress down day at work & collected Christmas items the National Registered Charity. Support Our Soldiers 2009 Christmas Parcel Appeal. I was thrilled to be contacted by Jane Frost the Job Centre Manager offering their support for the Appeal, which was launched in the Rotherham Advertiser in October. I was thrilled to meet Jane and the staff at the Rotherham Job Centre, it is a fantastic amount that they have raised & I am delighted with their efforts and I know that the soldiers who will receive the parcels will be too. Receiving a parcel is always a huge morale booster to our soldiers especially this time of year when they are away from loved ones. Many thanks to Jane Frost, Julia Yardley, Bob Kolt and ALL the staff who showed their support for the Appeal.
Julia Yardley, Jane Frost (manager) Tracy Mounsey – SOS Lumley Arms Maltby Show their support for Support Our Soldiers I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone involved in donating care parcels at the Lumley Arms on Tickhill Road Maltby. Sarah Hall the Manager at the Lumley is a huge supporter of Support Our Soldiers and the kind and generous customers collected a fantastic £75 and donated over 30 care parcels towards the SOS Christmas Appeal as well as goodies donated by local businesses. I was thrilled to be on the receiving end of this wonderful donation, my hubby Steve and myself have spent the last few days collecting parcels from all over the Rotherham Area and we are thrilled at the kind and generous donations that have come from both the young & old. My aim was for 100 Christmas Care Parcels, which Head Office had hoped was achievable, due to the overwhelming support we have passed that target. All parcels over that amount will be used in the monthly parcel that I send to Afghanistan. Once again thank you to the staff & customers at the Lumley Arms and people of Maltby for their kindness and support for our brave soldiers who are away from their loved ones this Christmas.
Sarah Hall & Tracy Mounsey – SOS HERO TSC Show their support for Support Our Soldiers I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone involved in Dawn’s fundraiser. I was thrilled to meet Dawn and her colleagues when I went over to TSC to collect their fantastic donation towards the SOS Christmas Parcel Appeal. Dawn Cassidy a staff member from HERO Tsc based at Manvers Rotherham raised a fantastic £120 pounds during a sponsored silence, which I been assured was an achievement for the likeable chatty Dawn. Dawn’s friend and colleague Jackie Ellis, a serving soldier’s mum was sent out shopping for items for the care parcels, Jackie’s son, giving his advice on the needed items for the parcels, is one of our Brave British Servicemen, he is currently at Headley Court rehabilitating from his injuries whilst serving in Afghanistan. We wish him a speedy recovery. Thank you again to Dawn, Jackie and everyone at HERO tsc
Pic. Dawn, Lyne, Phil & Ian – HEROtsc Crumbs Diner continue their fantastic support I was once again thrilled at the generous contribution that Mel, Stuart & Pera of Crumbs Diner Swinton showed in their continued support for the SOS Christmas Appeal. Along with the fantastic Avago Karting Endurance Event raising a whopping £585 they have taken donations from customers and local people making up over 20 care parcels. A special thank you to Marianne from Bramall Construction & all staff & customers at Blitz Hairdressers who all made a fantastic contribution.
Pic. Mel, me & Pera My very sincere thanks also go to the following people & companies for their kind support to our servicemen and women be this through donations, messages of support & hand made cards - Andy Lyne, All the very generous people of Dinnington, Kiveton, Anston,Vicky Watts & Peter Douglas, Watts Estate Agents, Phil & Staff at Laughton Common Post Office, Kay Senior, Pera, Mel & Brian Sutton - Crumbs Diner, Swinton, Susan Pepper, The Oakley Family, Beryl, John & Boys, Iris Pratt, Brenda Harwood, Shelly Harrison, Becci & Vinny Scales, Wynnie La Freak, John Sweetie & Helen Ogden at United Foods (KP Nuts), Sarah & Darren Hall & Customers - Lumley Arms Maltby, P & H Snacks Direct - Maltby, Mick & Rita Marshall & Millmoor Juniors, Katie Lillie – Boots Meadowhall, Geoff & Janice Booker, Geoff Booker - RotherhamWeb, Rob & Tracy Park View Social Club, Julie France & Staff at Norton Finance – Rotherham, Wedgewood Close OAP Centre, Premier Foods – Spalding Lincolnshire, Design Artwork & Print – Laughton, Joanne & Bethany Childs, Diane Rutter & Ivy Allgood, Mr & Mrs Hanton, Mike & Tracy Davis, Kerry Bryan, Thurcroft Dental Practice, Laura Downing – Wath Oakday Centre, Liz Wintle, Jane Frost & All Staff at Rotherham Job Centre, Jackie Ellis, Dawn Cassidy & All staff at HERO tsc, Manvers Swinton, Lindsay Firth, Owen Hill & Family, Carol Lyall, Rotherham United Football Team, Staff & young people at Maltby Linx, Staff & Young Peoples at Bramley Centre, Maltby Safer Neighbourhood Team, CERT Octavia Staff, Tina Brookes, Staff at Ventura – Manvers Swinton Stelrad, Staff & Pupils at The Woodsetts Primary School, Woodsetts and everyone who donated boxes at the drop off points who names I do not have, thank you. Also a HUGE thank you to Amy Parkes & The Rotherham Advertiser
Support Our Soldiers Christmas Parcel Appeal In the News... Troops' thanks for your gifts BBC - Women behind soldiers parcel appeal wowed by generosity Goodies for Afghanistan FOBBING AND CORRINGHAM WI Our heroes on frontline send love home for Christmas Troops are simply delighted at gifts Bramall Construction counts the days down to Christmas with ... Regulars box clever for war zone troops Gifts boost for our troops Shoppers' festive treats for the troops School kids send Christmas presents to front-line troops Post office stops tots sending presents to war zone soldiers Pupils have Christmas all wrapped up for troops Afghanistan war heroes remembered in Sunderland football game Bromsgrove playgroup backs soldiers campaign Military chiefs order an end to Christmas presents being sent to ... Scunthorpe's Frederick Gough School donates to Support Our Soldiers Stop sending our soldiers presents Don't send surprise parcels Clubs team up to collect gifts for soldiers in Afghanistan
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