How can you help SOS?

Jul 25 2008

SO... how can you help?

Bring along any of the items listed below to one of the collection points.

You will find collection points at the offices of the Ayrshire Post, High Street, Ayr; Kilmarnock Standard, Portland Street, Kilmarnock; and Irvine Herald, Bank Street, Irvine.

The Ayrshire Extra newspaper in Arran Mall, Ayr, and West Sound radio in Holmston Road, Ayr, are also participating.

The three local authorities are currently compiling a list of collection points.

East Ayrshire Council have already confirmed that their collection points will be their headquarters and the Dick Institute in London Road, Kilmarnock; the Collecting Hall in John Finnie Street, Kilmarnock; and Cumnock library in Ayr Road.

South Ayrshire and North Ayrshire will announce the extent of their involvement next week.

A number of businesses have come forward to offer support and these will also be highlighted during the four-week campaign that follows.

Here is a list of suggested parcel items:

Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, roll-on deodorant, razors, shaving gel, talcum powder, foot powder, cotton buds, wet/moist wipes, tissues, lip salve, travel wash, sanitary protection.

Savoury snacks: Pringles, crisps, nuts, pork scratchings, beef jerky, savoury rice, noodles, oatcakes, crackers, stock cubes, packet soups.

Sweet snacks: fruit/cereal bars, fruit flakes, dried fruit, shortbread, small cakes, biscuits, small tins fruit, packets custard, evaporated milk, condensed milk.

Confectionery: travel sweets, toffee, fudge, Mars Bars, chocolate raisins, chocolate peanuts, energy sweets, Love Hearts etc, fruit pastilles etc, lollipops, mints, chewing gum.

Clothing: socks/undies, t-shirts, underwear. Recreation: paperback books, magazines, puzzle books, sport programmes, playing cards, travel games, jigsaws, pens, pencils, notebooks, artists paints, sketch books, batteries.

Pharmacy: Imodium, Rennie, Paracetamol, plasters, insect repellent, sun screen.

Miscellaneous: boot laces, safety matches, black greetings cards, messages of support.

The key is to keep items small and lights as they are packed into shoeboxes which are weight and size restricted. Travel/individual sizes are ideal rather than family/bulk packs.

Please note that aerosols, alcohol and lighters are strictly prohibited.

Many thanks for showing your support for the British troops.