The annual Support our Soldiers Troops' Christmas Parcel Appeal is well underway and making their annual contributions on Thursday 12th November were the residents and staff of Panrock and Bradan Road Sheltered Housing Units in Troon.

Attending on the day to receive the donations Agnes Hunter, CEO of the charity said "The South Ayrshire Sheltered Housing Units have supported SoS since its inception in 2003 and as in previous years, the residents have been incredibly generous and insightful with their donations and it is always a pleasure to visit them on my 'Christmas Itinerary'. The residents have their own memories and accounts of what it is like to live through conflict and being separated from their loved ones. It is particularly poignant this year with the local regiment 2 Scots (RHF) being deployed, again, over the festive season to Afghanistan, other Ayrshire lads and lassies in Cyprus, on board HM Ships and at various locations with the RAF. Our thoughts and gratitude are with them and their families and hope they manage to 'hook up' on Christmas Day.

The next 'date in the diary' is at Newton Primary School on Friday 20th where the children will be helping to pack and wrap the goodies in the boxes which they have hand-decorated, ready for despatch to BFPO.

We are always pleased to have support from the public and local companies with small items for the parcels and details of what can be included are on the 'Parcels' page of our website www.supportoursoldiers.org.uk The deadline for contributions is fast approaching with our final date for posting being 27 November, as each year, we always leave December free for the families' mail to be processed.

If you would like to contribute please contact agnes@supportoursoldiers.org.uk Tel: 07779762932 or Julie Simpson on 07737 563421 Based on information supplied by agnes hunter.